Origin & Meaning of the Matthews Surname
What does the last name Matthews mean?
The surname Matthews carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 131,303 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Matthews ranks as the #226 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Matthews come from?
The Matthews surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Matthews name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Matthews trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Matthews |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #226 |
| US Count (2010) | 131,303 |
| Per 100K People | 44.51 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Matthews
According to the US Census, the Matthews surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 131,303 Americans with the Matthews last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 63.37% |
| Black | 30.67% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.58% |
| Two or More Races | 2.36% |
Popularity of Matthews Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Matthews surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Matthews surname increased by 6,464 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Matthews Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Matthews ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Matthews Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Matthews Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Matthews
- ✓ The Matthews coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Matthews families live today
- ✓ Notable Matthews bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Matthews
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Matthews.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Matthews.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthews
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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