Surname Mathie - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mathie: What does the surname Mathie mean?
The surname Mathie is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name “Mac Matha,” meaning "son of bear". This surname belongs to the category of 'habitational names', which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Sometimes, these names were used to indicate the original bearer's place of residence. The name Mathie indicates a person who is strong, brave, or courageous, akin to the qualities attributed to a bear in ancient Celtic societies. This surname has various spelling forms including Mathie, Mathieson, Matthewson, and Matheson. In the early centuries, it was commonly found in the Scottish Highlands, especially in Ross and Sutherland. Today, those bearing the surname Mathie can be found in various parts of the world due to migration and the passage of time. The variations in the name's spelling are often a result of a lack of standardization in Medieval practices of record keeping and due to phonetic spelling by different scribes.
Order DNA origin analysisMathie: Where does the name Mathie come from?
The surname Mathie is of Scottish origin. Specifically, it arises from the Gaelic name "Mac Matha," which means "son of bear." The name was first found in Kintail, a parish in the historical district of Ross in western Scotland. The Mathie name is associated with the Scottish Clan Matheson, a Highland Scottish clan first found in the early 15th century.
The family's early records were established in the Scottish Highlands, as one of the great principal houses. It's worth noting that many names of this type came from the harsh and beautiful landscapes of Scotland, often referred to character traits that were basic for survival in these environments.
Presently, the surname is not exceedingly widespread and appears to be most prevalent in the United States, Scotland, England, and Australia, albeit in relatively small numbers. This may be, in part, a result of Scottish emigration during the Highland Clearances and during the 18th and 19th-century industrial revolution. Despite its relative rarity, the name is still clearly identifiable as a proud symbol of Scottish heritage.
Variations of the surname Mathie
The surname Mathie is of Scottish origin and can be found with various spellings and variants. These can include Mathies, Mathis, Mathys, Mathews, and Matthews, which, although sounding similar, are more often associated with Welsh or English origins. Additional variations include Mattey, Matthey, Matthie, and Matthias, the latter being more common in German-speaking parts of Europe.
Also, there are surnames that sound similar or have the same root but can be found among non-English speaking families, like Mathieu in French, Mattei in Italian, or Matei in Romanian. Some names may seem unrelated but could share a common ancestor if traced back far enough.
Do note, however, that while these names sound similar or might be linked historically, each can have its own unique derivation and meaning. For instance, Mathie is believed to come from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning "gift of Yahweh", whereas Mathys, another variant, is said to come from the Germanic name Mathias, meaning "gift of God". Meanwhile, variations such as Matthews and Mathews are usually patronymics, meaning "son of Matthew".
Famous people with the name Mathie
- Lisa Mathie: a British actor born in 1962 in London, England. She is known for her television roles on series such as the BBC's Merseybeat, and as Mrs. Fieldhouse in Britain's 2006 Christmas comedy film, Nativity!
- Fred Mathie: a Canadian actor born in 1951 in London, Ontario. He is best known for his roles in the television series I Love Lucy, Cold Squad, and The Beachcombers.
- Dean Mathie: an Australian actor born in 1967 in Brisbane, Queensland. He is best known for his roles in the television series McLeod's Daughters and Stingers.
- Jean Mathie: a Canadian soprano born in 1960 in Montreal, Quebec. She has performed lead roles in several operas, and has had a successful career in the concert hall.
- Daniel Mathie: a British artist born in 1968 in Leeds, England. He is known for his vibrant, abstract artworks which have been exhibited in numerous galleries, including the Tate Modern and Saatchi Gallery.
- Christopher Mathie: a Scottish sculptor born in 1928 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is best known for his figurative sculptures which can be seen in public spaces throughout the United Kingdom.
- Georgina Mathie: a Scottish actress born in 1945 in Glasgow, Scotland. She is best known for her supporting roles in the television series Doctor Finlay and Taggart.