Matkin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Wales
Ireland

The surname Matkin is a patronymic surname created from the personal name Matthew.

Early Origins of the Matkin family

The surname Matkin was first found in Glamorganshire (Welsh: Sir Forgannwg), a region of South Wales, anciently part of the Welsh kingdom of Glywysing, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Matkin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Matkin research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1378, 1400, 1408, 1484, 1546, 1577, 1600, 1628, 1655, 1656, 1660, 1676, 1751, 1797 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Matkin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Matkin Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Matkin has seen various spelling variations: Mathews, Mathew, Matthew, Matthews, Mathewes and others.

Early Notables of the Matkin family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir David Mathew (1400-1484) was a Welsh knight, Lord of Llandaff, Seneschal of Llandaff Cathedral, one of the ten Great Barons of Glamorgan, Marcher Lord and Standard Bearer of England; Pope Matthew I of Alexandria (Matheos) (1378-1408), 87th Coptic Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St...
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Matkin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Matkin family to Ireland

Some of the Matkin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 92 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Matkin migration to Canada +

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many people from Wales joined the general migration to North America in search of land, work, and freedom. These immigrants greatly contributed to the rapid development of the new nations of Canada and the United States. They also added a rich and lasting cultural heritage to their newly adopted societies. Investigation of immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Matkin:

Matkin Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mattw Matkin, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1774

Contemporary Notables of the name Matkin (post 1700) +

John Landa Matkin (b. 1986), American-born Guamanian footballer, member of the Guam National Team (2011-)
James G. "Jim" Matkin QC (b. 1942), Canadian lawyer and politician, former Deputy Minister of Labour and of Intergovernmental Relations, former President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia
Rachel Matkin (b. 1975), Canadian Juno Award nominated country music artist

The Matkin Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Y fyn Duw a fydd
Motto Translation: What God wills, will be.