Matthew History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Scotland 
  Wales 
  Ireland 


The surname Matthew is a patronymic name derived from the well known first name Matthew. This name is ultimately derived from the Hebrew personal name "Mattathaigh," meaning "gift of Jehovah;" it was Latinized as Matthaeus and Mathaeus. It was introduced to England by the Normans, and quickly became quite a popular name.

Early Origins of the Matthew family

The surname Matthew was first found in the Domesday Book in 1086, listed as Mathiu and Matheus. They family came to England following the invasion of William the Conquerer in 1066.

Early History of the Matthew family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Matthew research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1260, 1273, 1395, 1546, 1577, 1628, 1655, 1790, 1797, 1824, 1856, 1863, 1889, 1890 and 1941 are included under the topic Early Matthew History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Matthew Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Matthew has been recorded under many different variations, including Matthew, Matthews, Matthewson, Matheson, Mathew, Mathews and many more.

Early Notables of the Matthew family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Matthew Ranking

In the United States, the name Matthew is the 2,827th most popular surname with an estimated 9,948 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Matthew family to Ireland

Some of the Matthew family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 108 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Matthew migration to the United States +

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Matthews were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Matthew Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Matthew Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Matthew Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Matthew migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Matthew Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Matthew Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Matthew migration to Australia +

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

Matthew Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Matthew 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:

Matthew Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Matthew (post 1700) +
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