Surname Matthis - Meaning and Origin
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Matthis: What does the surname Matthis mean?
The surname Matthis is believed to derive from the given name Matthew. The name Matthew itself is of Hebrew origin, from the name "Matityahu," meaning "Gift from God". In different regions and languages, Matthew evolved and took on different forms like Matthias, Mathis, Matis, Matthys, and so forth. Therefore, the surname Matthis can be interpreted as "son of Matthew" or "descendant of Matthew". It often signifies religious or historical family connections, alluding to St. Matthew the Apostle in early Christian times. Like other patronymic surnames, variations in spelling often arose due to linguistic, regional, or even personal preferences. This surname is prevalent in regions with strong historical links to Christianity, like Europe and the Americas. However, it's also important to note that the exact origins and meanings of many surnames can be complex and multi-faceted, shifting throughout history and across geographic regions.
Order DNA origin analysisMatthis: Where does the name Matthis come from?
The surname Matthis has a Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Matityahu", which means "gift of God". This name was later shortened to Mattiyahu and subsequently to Matthias in the New Testament of the Bible, which has given rise to various versions including Mathias, Matthis, Mattias, and others. While the name has roots in the Bible, it is widespread in different cultures and geographical regions due to Christian influence.
In present times, the last name Matthis is most common in the United States. More specifically, it's particularly prevalent in North Carolina. Globally, apart from the United States, the surname also has a significant presence in France and Germany. The surname's frequency also extends to countries like Brazil and South Africa. Although it doesn't rank high in most common surnames, it has a broad geographical distribution indicating a diaspora over the centuries from its time of origin.
Variations of the surname Matthis
The surname Matthis is a variant of the name Matthew, which is of Hebrew origin and means "gift of God". The name has been spelled in numerous ways across different cultures and time periods, resulting in a variety of surnames with the same or similar origins. Here are some:
1. Mathis - This is a common variant, popular in German-speaking countries. It also appears in France and other European countries.
2. Mattis - Another variant that occurs in several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
3. Matthies - This is primarily a German version of the surname.
4. Matthys and Matthijs - These are Dutch variants of Matthis.
5. Matis, Matys, Matyas - These variants are seen in Czech, Polish, and Hungarian cultures respectively.
6. Mattice - This version of the surname is most common in English-speaking countries like Canada and the USA.
7. Matteis - This variant comes from Italy.
8. Maddox - In Wales, the surname Maddox is derived from the name Matthew.
9. Macek - A variant found in Slovenia and the Czech Republic.
10. Mašek - This is an alternate version of Macek in the Czech Republic.
11. Maček - This spelling is found in Croatian.
Bear in mind that while these names have a similar origin, the process of "anglicization" and differences between languages can result in surnames that are spelled or pronounced differently.
Famous people with the name Matthis
- Lorne Matthis: a Canadian actor known for his performances on Murdoch Mysteries and Bitten.
- Matt Matthis: American comedy writer and producer whose credits include Saturday Night Live, Comedy Bang! Bang!, and The Daily Show.
- Alex Matthis: American filmmaker and director of the award-winning documentary Lavanicus: Sacrifice in the Desert.
- Woody Matthis: American basketball player and former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill standout who played in the NBA for the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Sebastian Matthis: German writer and philosopher best known for his work on existentialism and early modern theories.
- Walter Matthis: Swiss sculptor and painter known for his exquisite bronze and marble carvings.
- Mike Matthis: Canadian rock singer and founder of the band The Matthis Brothers.
- Craig Matthis: Australian football player who spent five years playing for the Melbourne Demons in the AFL.
- Ben Matthis: French actor and theater director, as well as a founding member of the Théâtre 14 in Paris.
- Libby Matthis: American entrepreneur best known for her work in the technology and finance sectors.