Surname Mathis - Meaning and Origin

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O. Mathis

Mathis: What does the surname Mathis mean?

The last name Mathis is primarily of Greek origin. It is derived from the given name Matthias, which itself comes from the Greek name Matthaios, a variant of Matthew. The name Matthew, originating from the Hebrew name Matityahu, means "Gift from God". Thus, indirectly, Mathis also carries a similar meaning. The name Mathis made its way from Greece to other parts of Europe, including France, Germany, and England, through religious texts, specifically the Bible where Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

Although it started as a first name, over time, it transformed into a surname used by families. As with many surnames in Europe, it may have been adopted as a last name during the Middle Ages for tax recording purposes. It's noteworthy that name distributions have resulted in variants such as Mattis, Matthis, Mathies, and Matthies in different countries. It's also significant in African-American culture in the United States, with notable individuals like singer Johnny Mathis carrying this name.

Mathis: Where does the name Mathis come from?

The surname Mathis is derived from the personal name Mathias or Matthew, which means 'gift of God'. It emerged during the Middle Ages in various regions throughout Europe, with different variations. It's a patronymic name, denoting 'son of Mathieu or Mathias'.

The surname Mathis is found abundantly in the United States, France, and Germany. The United States, particularly, has a higher proportion of people with the Mathis surname. This could be attributed to the historical immigration patterns in the United States, where many Europeans, including those from France and Germany, migrated throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

In France, the name is most common in the northeastern regions. In Germany, it's concentrated in the southwestern states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Despite its origins and distribution, Mathis as a last name is not restricted to these regions or countries alone and can be found in several countries across the globe, a testament to the broad dispersion of populations over the centuries.

Historically, the name was associated with occupations like farming and later with other profession like trade, craftsmanship, academia, and the arts. Notable figures bearing the surname include singer Johnny Mathis and actor Samantha Mathis.

Variations of the surname Mathis

The surname Mathis has numerous variants, including Mathies, Mathys, Matthys, Matthies, Mathiez, Matthis, Matthyssen, and Matis. These variations reflect different regional spellings and phonetic interpretations across different cultures and regions. Some families may have changed their surname slightly upon immigration for easier pronunciation.

Another version of the surname is Matheson or Mathieson, meaning "son of Mathis." This is a patronymic surname, a type of last name where the name of a male ancestor, particularly the father, becomes a part of the child’s name. Additionally, there is Matheis, which is a German derivative of the name Mathis.

It's also possible that the American surname Matthews or Mathews could be connected to Mathis, as these surnames have an identical meaning, referring to 'son of Matthew'. Matthew, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'gift of God', is Mathis in German. The French version is Mathieu, which can also appear as a surname.

Each variant of the surname Mathis carries the same fundamental root, derived from the biblical name Matthew.

Famous people with the name Mathis

• Johnny Mathis: Legendary American singer and songwriter; best known for hits such as “Chances Are” and “Misty”.
• James Mathis III: Award-winning American actor, best known for roles in superhero films such as X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Black Panther.
• Bill Mathis: Former NFL player and a Rookie of the Year.
• Tracee Mathis: American fashion designer and entrepreneur.
• Robert Mathis: Former NFL player and six-time Pro Bowl selection.
• J.K. Simmons: Award-winning American actor, known for roles in films such as Oz the Great and Powerful and Juno.
• Alaina Mathis: American TV actress best known for her role asBreanna Monroe on the hit sitcom Good Luck Charlie.
• Karen Mathis: Former President of the American Bar Association.
• Matt Mathis: Former NFL wide receiver and special teams coach.
• Jeff Mathis: Former MLB catcher and two-time Gold Glove Award Winner.
• Josh Mathis: Nashville-based singer/songwriter.
• Mark Mathis: American artist and photographer.
• Jase Mathis: Actor, appeared in films such as The Departed and Lethal Weapon 2.
• Reece Mathis: American comedian and actor.
• Neill Mathis: American actor best known for his role on the TV series NCIS.

Other surnames

MathiäMathiaeMathiasMathiasenMathiassenMathieMathiesMathiesenMathiesonMathiessenMathießenMathieuMathijssenMathisenMathisonMathissen