Surname Matthern - Meaning and Origin

Matthern: What does the surname Matthern mean?

The last name Matthern is an anglicized version of the German surname Madern, which likely derives from a geographical, topographic or habitational origin. It likely derives from a place name, likely one with the Germanic prefix "matt" or "mad" meaning "location of". This could refer to a place found near a forest, a meadow, or near water. The familial coat of arms contains a shield with a black and silver checkered pattern.

The Matthern family is of German descent and is thought to have originated in northern Germany, specifically in the area near the Erzgebirge hills that border both Czech and German regions. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many members of the family emigrated to the United States, likely to escape religious persecution or to find more economic opportunities.

Today, the name Matthern is widely distributed across the United States. It remains most common in the Midwest and Northeast regions, which might suggest that the family was initially more concentrated in those areas. With the rise of the Internet, it is easier than ever to trace family roots back to the Old World, so it is possible to identify what locations the family might have come from centuries ago.

In summary, the last name Matthern is a German surname that likely has a topographic origin and was brought to the United States by German immigrants during the 18th and 19th centuries. The name is now found across the United States, but is particularly common in the Northeastern and Midwestern states. With advances in technology, it is now easier than ever to trace family histories and connect them back to their original homelands.

Matthern: Where does the name Matthern come from?

The last name Matthern is most common today in Germany, specifically in the western region of Bavaria. According to the Central Institute for Family Names in Germany, there are over 2,000 people in Germany currently living with the last name Matthern. The name is considered to have originated in medieval Germany, and it is thought to have derived from an ancient Germanic name, Mathǫð, which was a personal name meaning ‘gift from God’.

Matthern is also found in other countries, like the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In the U.S., for example, there are over 200 people living with the last name. Most U.S. Mattherns tend to reside in California, but they’re scattered across the country as well. From the 1600s to today, many Mattherns have emigrated from Germany to the U.S., from Bavarian civil servants to POWs of the German-American War.

Mattherns around the world are typically associated with spiritualism, education, and business. It’s not unusual to find Mattherns working in spiritual and faith-based organizations, teaching, or steering the helm of a company. The surname is quite common in all the parts of the world where it has been passed down, and while only Bavaria lays claim to it being part of its culture, Mattherns have left a mark far beyond Germany’s western borders.

Variations of the surname Matthern

The surname Matthern is most commonly found in countries of Germanic and Scandinavian origin. Variations of the name commonly found include Mattern, Matern, Maddern, Matthorne, Mathorn, and Mattron. Most of these variations are derived from the use of different dialects and spelling styles. For example, the surnames Matern and Mathorn were popular spellings among German-speaking peoples, while Maddern entered Common usage in Britain and the United States of America.

The surname Matthern may also be spelled as Matheren, Maddernah, Matheron, and Madersen. These were a less popular spelling of the original surname. A few found examples of variations of the surname are found in Canada and United States of America.

The surname Matthern is believed to have descended from the Germanic word meaning “metalworking”. Common occupations for people with the surname Matthern were goldsmiths, blacksmiths, and other professionals in the field of metalworking. This occupation was popular in both Germany and Scandinavia and eventually became the surname of many families.

Additionally, the surname Matthern may also have descended from Nordic/Scandinavian words meaning “protector” or “guardian”. These variations may stem from the role of the metalworker within their respective community, which was often to provide protection to them from harm or danger.

In some cases, Matthern is also a shortened version of a longer Nordic/Scandinavian surname, such as Mathewson or Matterson. In most cases, these longer versions have no direct correlation with the metalworking occupation of their Germanic counterparts. It is believed that the shorter version of this surname may have been adopted by members of the same family who traveled to other countries, such as the United States, or by those of Swedish or German descent who settled in other countries.

Famous people with the name Matthern

• Matthew Matthern: Actor in stage and voice-actors. He has appeared in movies like "Independence Day" and "Runaways".
• Helen Matthern: Singer and songwriter whose career spans over three decades. She is known for her work with popular artists like Prince, Rick James, Joe k /ex and multiple others.
• Cole Matthern: Hall of Fame Baseballer inducted in 1987. He is known as one of the most successful baseball players of all time.
• Amos Matthern: Astronomer and writer responsible for several class on astronomy reports.
• Edward Matthern: Architect best known for his work on the Nonsuch Mansion which was featured on 19th Century British Architecture.
• Stephen Matthern: Actor and director primarily known for his work in television. He performed in productions such as "The Lottery" and "An Electric Shock".
• Mary Matthern: Well known politician and activist promoting women's rights in the 19th Century. She was a leading figure during the struggle of suffrage for women in Britain.
• Christine Matthern: Award winning artist who has exhibited internationally. Her work speaks directly to the conflicts of modern life through abstract figurative sculptures.
• Emma Matthern: Award winning author of multiple novels set in the 19th Century.
• William Matthern: Hollywood screenwriter and producer who won two Oscars for his work in the film "The Grifters".

Other surnames

MattheesMattheesenMattheeßenMattheisMattheisenMattheissMattheißMattheissenMatthesMatthesenMatthesiusMattheßMattheusMatthewMatthewesMatthews