Matthaei Surname

The Origins of the Surname Matthaei

The surname Matthaei has a long and intriguing history, with roots in various countries around the world. It is believed to have originated from the given name Matthaeus, which is the Latin form of the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning "gift of God." This name was commonly used in Christian societies, particularly among those of Germanic and Slavic descent.

Germany

In Germany, the surname Matthaei is most prevalent, with a total incidence of 555 individuals bearing this name. This is not surprising, as Germany has a rich tradition of surnames derived from given names. The popularity of the name Matthaei in Germany may be linked to the influence of Christianity in the region, as well as the prevalence of the name Matthaeus in the Bible.

Many individuals with the surname Matthaei in Germany can trace their ancestry back to the medieval period, when surnames were first becoming hereditary. It is likely that the name was originally used as a patronymic, indicating descent from an ancestor named Matthaeus.

United States

In the United States, the surname Matthaei is also fairly common, with an incidence of 288 individuals. This can be attributed to the large influx of German immigrants to the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these immigrants retained their original surnames, including Matthaei, as a way of preserving their cultural heritage.

Today, there are Matthaei families scattered throughout the United States, with concentrations in states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. These families have maintained strong ties to their German roots, often passing down stories and traditions associated with their surname.

France, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria

In France, the surname Matthaei is less common, with an incidence of 63 individuals. The name may have been introduced to the country through immigration or intermarriage with individuals of German descent.

In the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria, the surname Matthaei has smaller incidences, with 26, 21, and 14 individuals respectively. These countries also have histories of Germanic influence, which may explain the presence of the name in these regions.

Other Countries

While Germany and the United States have the highest incidences of the surname Matthaei, it is also found in a number of other countries around the world. In countries such as Australia, Chile, England, and South Africa, there are small populations of individuals with this surname, each contributing to the global presence of the name.

Overall, the surname Matthaei is a testament to the enduring influence of given names on modern surnames. Through centuries of migration, intermarriage, and cultural exchange, the name has spread to multiple countries and continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a connection to the past.

The surname Matthaei in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent occurs in the case of Matthaei, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in most of the countries of this globe. Just as you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals with all the surname Matthaei is higher than in other countries.

The map of this Matthaei surname

1. Germany (555)
2. United States (288)
3. France (63)
4. Netherlands (26)
5. Switzerland (21)
6. Austria (14)
7. Australia (10)
8. Chile (7)
9. England (5)
10. Namibia (5)
11. Colombia (4)
12. Turkey (3)
13. Belgium (2)
14. Denmark (1)
15. Spain (1)
16. Italy (1)
17. New Zealand (1)
18. Poland (1)
19. Sweden (1)
20. Thailand (1)
21. South Africa (1)