First found in Surrey where they were anciently seated as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when the family held estates in that county.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Thomas Matchett, who came to Barbados in 1672; John Matchett, a bonded passenger who arrived in Barbados in 1675; Robt. Matchett, who arrived in Virginia in 1680.

For more information on the last name Matchett, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.