Surname Matthieu - Meaning and Origin
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Matthieu: What does the surname Matthieu mean?
The last name Matthieu is a French or Belgian patronymic surname meaning "son of Matthew". It is derived from the name Matthias, which is the Greek variation of the Hebrew name Mattityahu (or Mattathias) meaning “Gift of Yahweh”. As a given name, Matthias was borne by one of the original apostles of Jesus. As a family name, Matthieu was popularized in the Middle Ages and remains widespread in France, Belgium and other French-speaking countries to this day.
The surname Matthieu can be found in records from as early as the 12th century, when a Robert mattheii is recorded in publications associated with the Mathieu family. In the 14th century, a Jean Mathieu is recorded and appears to have been the first coiner of the surname Matthieu. In the 16th century, there are records of various Collado Matthieus, including Collado Mathieu de Verlet, who was named Captain of Foot regiment in 1568.
Today, many individuals, families and descendants of the Matthieu surname can still be found across Europe. In France alone, Matthieu is currently one of the top 500 most common surnames. In Belgium and the United States the name is also widespread. As well as maintaining its traditional roots, the surname Matthieu also appears in many forms of modern spelling, including Matthew and Mathew.
Order DNA origin analysisMatthieu: Where does the name Matthieu come from?
The last name Matthieu is a French name that is primarily common in France today. It can be found in other European countries, like Belgium, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as other French-speaking regions such as Monaco, Haiti, French Guiana, Reunion, and the Caribbean.
In the US, the Matthieu name is most common in Louisiana and surrounding areas, which have long had strong French roots. It is less common in other parts of the US. However, there are people with the last name Matthieu living throughout the United States today.
Today, the last name Matthieu is no longer an exclusively French name and it has spread to other nations and regions. Records indicate that the first Matthieu to arrive in the United States was a Frenchman named Jean Francois Matthieu who arrived in New Orleans in 1765 and settled in Louisiana.
Despite the geographical spread of the Matthieu name, there are still many people around the world who share the surname. It is estimated that around 20,000 people bear the Matthieu name globally.
Variations of the surname Matthieu
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Matthieu include:
Matheu: This variant is derived from the same root words of Matthieu, and is commonly found in countries such as France, Spain, and the Basque Country.
Mathieu: This is the more popular, French spelling of Matthieu, although it is often found in other countries as well.
Matthieu: This is the most common spelling found in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
Mathis: This variant is distinct from Matthieu and has slightly more Germanic roots.
Mathye: This is a phonetic spelling of Matthieu and is found throughout the French-speaking regions of Europe, including Canada.
Matthes: This variation is derived from the German spelling of Matthieu, and has sometimes been found in the Netherlands as well.
Mathews: This variant is derived from the English spelling of Matthieu.
Mattheissen: This is primarily found in the Netherlands, and is derived from the Dutch variant of Matthieu.
Matheisen: This is another Dutch variant of Matthieu, and is generally considered to be more common than Mattheissen.
Matteo: This variant is derived from the Italian spelling of Matthieu, and is primarily found in Italy, as well as some other parts of Europe and the Americas.
Matte: This variation is derived from the Spanish spelling of Matthieu, and is most commonly found in Spain and the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America.
Matvey: This is a Russian spelling of Matthieu, and can be found in some other Eastern European countries as well.
Matthys: This variation is derived from the Dutch spelling of Matthieu.
Matyas: This variant of Matthieu is derived from the Hungarian spelling.
Mateus: This variation is derived from the Portuguese spelling of Matthieu.
Mathias: This is a variation of Matthieu of Germanic origin, and is found in many countries that speak Germanic languages.
Famous people with the name Matthieu
- William Mathieu: French contemporary classical composer.
- Hemma Mathieu: Belgian rhythm gymnast.
- Dominique Mathieu: French football player.
- Ernie Mathieu: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Nicole Mathieu: French freestyle swimmer.
- Alice Mathieu: French professional golfer.
- Yannick Mathieu: French tennis player.
- Pierre Matheiu: French film director.
- Pierre-Edouard Mathieu: French professional cyclist.
- Séverine Mathieu: French national squash champion.
- Michel Mathieu: French footballer.
- Raphaël Mathieu: French ice hockey player.
- Adrian Mathieu: French actor and comedian.
- Chantal Mathieu: French writer.
- Michael Matthieu: American soul singer.
- Monté Mathieu: Canadian voice actor.
- Tricia Mathieu: American actress.
- Nadine Mathieu: French folk singer.
- Shirley Mathieu: French Olympic athlete who competed in rowing, taekwondo and marathon.
- Sophia Matheiu: French professional figure skater.