Show ContentsMateus History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Mateus

What does the name Mateus mean?

The surname Mateus is derived from the Portuguese word "mato," which means "bush, forest or scrubland." There are also a few places in Portugal named Matos, which were no doubt named for their geographic features. The surname was most likely originally a habitation name created from the place name.

Early Origins of the Mateus family

The surname Mateus was first found in the Spanish kingdom of Leon. Mateus is the name of one of the oldest families of Portugal, who claim descent from the Kings of the ancient Spanish kingdom of Leon.

Early History of the Mateus family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mateus research. Another 47 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1759 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Mateus History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mateus Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Matos, Mateus, Mato and others.

Early Notables of the Mateus family

Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Mateus Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Mateus family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Maria Manuela Matos, who came to New Orleans in 1778; Raymond Matos, who arrived at the port of New York in 1822; as well as Louis A. Matos, whose Oath of Allegiance was recorded in Philadelphia in 1863..


Contemporary Notables of the name Mateus (post 1700) +

  • Guillermo Neira Matéus (b. 1886), Colombian lawyer
  • Michael Mateus Steger (b. 1980), American film and television actor
  • Leandro Mateus Barbosa (b. 1982), Brazilian NBA professional basketball player
  • Mateus Soares de Azevedo (b. 1959), Brazilian writer, journalist, editor and translator. He has published a dozen books and received the USA Best Books 2011 Awards
  • Mateus Galiano da Costa (b. 1984), Angolan footballer who plays for Portuguese club Boavista F.C
  • Mateus Fernandes (d. 1515), Portuguese architect
  • Mateus Alberto Contreiras Gonçalves, Angolan footballer


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