Show ContentsMatlett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The saga of the name Matlett follows a line reaching back through history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for someone who worked as a miller or the keeper of a mill. The surname Matlett is derived from the Old English word mylenweard. This name is common in the southern and western counties; elsewhere, the form Milner predominates. The "mill-ward" was the keeper of the mill having derived from the Middle English words "melle, mulle, and mulne." 1 2

Early Origins of the Matlett family

The surname Matlett was first found in Derbyshire 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 Matlett family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Matlett research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1430, 1488 and 1502 are included under the topic Early Matlett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Matlett Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Matlett were recorded, including Milward, Milwood and others.

Early Notables of the Matlett family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Matlett Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Matlett family to Ireland

Some of the Matlett family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Matlett family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Matlett family emigrate to North America: Henry Milward, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 with his wife, child, and sister; David and James Milward settled in Boston in 1652; Thomas Milward settled in New England in 1630.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.


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