Mathews History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Wales
Ireland

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

Early Origins of the Mathews family

The surname Mathews 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 Mathews family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mathews 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 Mathews History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mathews 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 Mathews has seen various spelling variations: Mathews, Mathew, Matthew, Matthews, Mathewes and others.

Early Notables of the Mathews family

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

Mathews World Ranking

In the United States, the name Mathews is the 552^nd most popular surname with an estimated 52,227 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Mathews is ranked the 653^rd most popular surname with an estimated 5,983 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Mathews is the 757^th popular surname with an estimated 962 people with that name. 3

Migration of the Mathews family to Ireland

Some of the Mathews 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.

Mathews migration to the United States +

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Mathews:

Mathews Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Mr. Robert Mathews, aged 24, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 aboard the ship "Southampton" 4
Capt. Samuel Mathews, (1580 - 1657), who landed in Virginia in 1623 aboard the ship "Southampton", he was a planter, political figure, and the father of Governor Samuel Mathews (Colonial Virginia governor) 5
James Mathews, who landed in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1634 5
Edward Mathews, who arrived in Maryland in 1635 5
Roger Mathews, aged 28, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 5
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Mathews Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Luke Mathews, who arrived in Virginia in 1705 5
Alexander Mathews, who landed in Virginia in 1713 5
Alice Mathews, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 5
Eleanor Mathews, who landed in Virginia in 1714 5
Lucy Mathews, who landed in Virginia in 1714 5
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Mathews Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Stephen Mathews, aged 24, who arrived in New York, NY in 1812 5
Michael Mathews, who landed in New York, NY in 1816 5
Emma Mathews, aged 2, who arrived in New York, NY in 1842 5
Susan Mathews, aged 22, who landed in New York, NY in 1842 5
Joseph Mathews, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1847 5
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Mathews Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. William Mathews, (b. 1881), aged 19, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 15th April 1900 en route to New York, USA 6

Mathews migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Mathews Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mary Mathews, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Charles Mathews, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1778
Mr. William Mathews U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelbourne], Nova Scotia on December 13, 1783 was passenger number 441 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on November 14, 1783 at East River, New York, USA 7
Mr. Richard Mathews U.E. born in Pennsylvania, USA who settled in Pennfield, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 listed as a Quaker 7
Mr. Charles Mathews U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Mathews Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Elizabeth Mathews, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1834
Ms. Judith Mathews, aged 20 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Wakefield" departing from the port of Cork, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle in October 1847 8
Mr. Patrick Mathews, aged 10 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Saguenay" departing from the port of Cork, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 8

Mathews migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Mathews Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. William M Mathews, Irish convict who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 9
Edward Mathews, a marble-polisher, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832
Miss Susan Mathews, (b. 1809), aged 17, Irish house servant who was convicted in County Down, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Brothers" on 3rd October 1826, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
William Mathews, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Asia" in 1839 11
Mary Ann Mathews, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Asia" in 1839 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Mathews migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Mathews Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

R Mathews, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1832
Felton Mathews, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Westminster
Charles Mathews, who landed in Nelson, New Zealand in 1842 aboard the ship Olympus
Mr. William Mathews, (b. 1842), aged 23, British labourer travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Indian Empire" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd July 1865 12
Miss Mary Mathews, (b. 1844), aged 21, British domestic servant travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Indian Empire" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd July 1865 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Mathews migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 13

Mathews Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. William Mathews, (b. 1605), aged 30, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 14

Contemporary Notables of the name Mathews (post 1700) +

Shailer Mathews (1863-1941), American theologian from Portland, Maine
David Mathews (b. 1800), American lawyer and politician, Mayor of New York (1776 to 1783), a Loyalist during the American Revolutionary War, he later moved to Nova Scotia
Walter Mathews (1926-2012), American character actor from New York City, known for The Naked Kiss (1964), Mission Kill (1986) and That Girl (1966)
Arthur F. Mathews (1860-1945), American Tonalist painter, one of the founders of the American Arts and Crafts Movement
Walter J. Mathews (1850-1947), American architect based in Oakland, California, older brother of Arthur Frank Mathews
Harry Mathews (1930-2017), American author of various novels, volumes of poetry and short fiction, and essays
George Mathews (1774-1836), American jurist, Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court
George Arthur Mathews (1852-1941), American lawyer from Brookings, South Dakota, Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Dakota Territory in 1889
George Mathews (1739-1812), American Continental Army officer during the American Revolutionary War and politician, Governor of Georgia (1793-1796)
George C. Mathews (1886-1946), American economist, Member of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
... (Another 21 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Mathews family +

Empress of Ireland

Mr. John Edward Mathews, British Chef from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 15

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. John William Mathews (1920-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Elsternwick, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 16

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Percy Mathews, British Chief Mechanical, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 17
Mr. John Mathews, British Leading Steward, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 17

HMS Repulse

Mr. M R Mathews, British Lieutenant, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 18

Prince of Wales colliery

Mr. John Mathews (b. 1855), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 19
Mr. Isaac Mathews (b. 1828), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 19

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Arthur Thomas Mathews, Canadian 1st Class Passenger from Montréal, Quebec, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 20

St. Francis Dam

Miss Vidae Louise Mathews, American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
Mr. Carl James Mathews Sr., American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
Mrs. Amelia A. "Millie" Mathews, (nee Barbeaux), French born American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
Miss Thelma Louise Mathews, American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
Mr. Franklin "Frankie" Mathews, American resident in Santa Clarita killed when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Mathews 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.

Citations +

"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 42)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/brothers
State Library of South Australia. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) ASIA 1839 from London with Captain Benjamin Freeman and 245 passengers, arrived Port Adelaide on 16-07-1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Asia-list.htm
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Entombed in flood and flame (retrieved 3rd August 2021). Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20120603025705/http://www.crosskeys.me.uk/history/prince.htm
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/