Surname Mattern - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering the Genetic Story of the Surname Mattern through iGENEA DNA Testing
A comprehensive DNA test at iGENEA expanded my understanding of my familial ties to the German-rooted surname Mattern. The journey, merging science with genealogy, presented a wholistic analysis of my ancestry using advanced autosomal DNA and Y-DNA testing.
I. Mattern
read moreMattern: What does the surname Mattern mean?
The last name Mattern is of Germanic origin and is an occupational name meaning "matt maker." This name is derived from the Middle High German word "matte," which literally means matt or cushion. In the Middle Ages, a Matten — or matt — was a carpet-like item woven with wool or velvet. Mattens were often used as ornamental items or to lend comfort and luxury to the home. In addition, professional craftspeople specialized in the production of mattens, a highly skilled trade.
An alternate etymology suggests the name may also be derived from the German word "mater," meaning "father." In this regard, the name Mattern could refer to someone whose father was an expert craftsman specializing in mattens or carpet-like items.
In contemporary times, the surname Mattern is generally associated with Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, due to immigration, it is also found in other countries around the globe, including the United States.
In general, Mattern is an old and respected Germanic last name whose original meaning and derivation remain largely unknown. Its usage today often refers to the skill and artistry of carpentry and the creation of intricately woven mattens.
Order DNA origin analysisMattern: Where does the name Mattern come from?
The last name Mattern is currently most common in Germany, particularly in the areas of Bavaria, Saxony, and Berlin. The name could have been adopted from the area of Baden, a state in southwestern Germany, where many of the earliest Mattern families settled in the beginning of the 1500s. As people moved throughout Europe, the Mattern name spread throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other countries. German-American immigrants to the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries introduced the Mattern name here as well.
Today, the Mattern last name is widespread, but often in a different spelling form. Originally spelled Matthärn in Germany, the name might also be found as Mathärn, Matharn, Matern, Matern, Mottron, Matteurn, Madern, and Matterns in various countries, as the spelling has changed depending on the region and time period.
In terms of specific numbers, the Mattern name is not among the top 1,000 last names in the United States. However, according to United States Census records, the Mattern name can be found in many U.S. states. From 1990-2000, the name is most populated in Pennsylvania, followed by Florida, Ohio, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, and California.
Variations of the surname Mattern
The Mattern surname is of German origin and has various alternative spellings and variants. The variations of Mattern include: Mattner, Maderner, Madern, Matherne, Maetner, Mathear, Madarne, Maddren, Matthar, Myrnar, Merten, Matern, and Mytern.
In Germany, the Mattern surname was initially derived from the Middle High German word “mathe” and later changed to “matt-.” This variation of the Mattern surname was used to denote someone who was a “sword-player”.
In Austria, the Mattern surname was derived from the Middle High German word “madden” which means “to mediate,” “to refine,” or “to exchange”. This variation of the Mattern surname was most commonly used to describe someone who was a mediator or agent for goods or services.
The Mattern surname is also found in Netherlands with an alternative spelling of Matern. This variation of the Mattern surname was likely derived from a Latin form of the surname, and began to be used to describe someone who was from the town of Matern.
In the United States, the Mattern surname is found with an alternate spelling of “Matherne.” This spelling of the surname originated in Louisiana and is of French and German descent.
Finally, in England, the Mattern surname was derived from the Middle English word “maide,” which means “servant”. This spelling of the surname was used to denote someone who served in some capacity.
Overall, the Mattern surname and its various spellings and variants across the globe is of German origin and has multiple meanings depending on the country of origin.
Famous people with the name Mattern
- Martin Mattern: Martin Mattern is a Swedish diver who participated in various international competitions. He competed in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, the 1993 World Championships in Perth, Australia, and the 1994 European Championships in Madrid, Spain.
- Laura Mattern: Laura Mattern is a contemporary Canadian artist known for her works depicting everyday objects, animals, and people. She is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and has exhibited in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
- Steve Mattern: Steve Mattern is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder who played from 1994 to 2001. He was a member of the Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Baltimore Orioles.
- Andreas Mattern: Andreas Mattern is a German former ski mountaineer, mountain guide, and celebrated mountaineer. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s with first ascents of the Central Pillar of Freney on Mont Blanc and Cerro Torre in Patagonia.
- Kelly Mattern: Kelly Mattern is a British-born businesswoman, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. She is the founder of the award-winning Mattern & Associates, a leading consulting firm that works with a range of clients from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups.
- Benjamin Mattern: Benjamin Mattern is a German football (soccer) player who is currently playing for Dutch Eredivisie club FC Utrecht. He began his professional career in 2010 with SV Oberachern and has also played for additional teams in Germany, Scotland, and the Netherlands.