Show ContentsMatcham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Matcham is generally thought to be a local surname, derived from the place name Mitcham, County Surrey (today in the London Borough of Merton, London).

Early Origins of the Matcham family

The surname Matcham was first found in Surrey at Mitcham, a parish in the union of Croydon, Second division of the hundred of Wallington. "This parish, which is situated on the road to Reigate, is divided into Upper Mitcham, formerly called Whitford or Waterford, and Lower Mitcham, anciently Michelham, or "the great dwelling," a name probably derived from the district having been at an early period the residence of persons of distinction." 1

Early History of the Matcham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Matcham research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1190 and 1273 are included under the topic Early Matcham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Matcham Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Mitcham, Mitchum, Micham, Michum, Mitchem, Mitchim and many more.

Early Notables of the Matcham family

More information is included under the topic Early Matcham Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Matcham family to Ireland

Some of the Matcham family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 66 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Matcham migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Matcham Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mrs. Lucy Matcham, (b. 1865), aged 40, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Brooklyn, New York, USA 2
  • Mr. Thomas J. Matcham, (b. 1865), aged 40, Cornish merchant travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Brooklyn, New York, USA 2


The Matcham 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: Animi fortitudo
Motto Translation: The courage


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf


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