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Last Name Mach

What is the origin of the last name Mach?

The last name "Mach" has multiple possible origins and meanings depending on the region and cultural background. Here are some potential origins: 1. Czech/Slovak Origin: In Czech and Slovak, "Mach" is a common surname. It is derived from the personal name "Machek," a diminutive form of the name "Mácha," which itself originates from the given name "Matej" (equivalent to Matthew in English). 2. German Origin: "Mach" can also have German roots. In German, "Mach" can be derived from "Mack," a variant of the name "Mache," which means "maker" or "doer." Alternatively, it could be derived from the German word "machen," which means "to make" or "to do." 3. Ashkenazi Jewish Origin: Among Ashkenazi Jews, "Mach" can be a variation of the surname "Macht" or "Maas," which means "might" or "power" in German. It was often given as a nickname to someone who possessed impressive strength or power. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings due to various factors such as immigration, linguistic changes, and cultural assimilation. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct thorough genealogical research for precise information on the origin and meaning of a specific surname like "Mach."

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Mach

Looking at the ethnicity breakdown of the surname Mach, according to the Decennial U.S. Census, there were notable changes from 2000 to 2010. The percentage of those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander increased by 13.81%, and those identifying with two or more races saw a rise of 13.28%. However, the percentage of individuals identifying as White decreased by 7.36%. There was a significant increase in the percentage of individuals with Hispanic ethnic identity, with an increase of 124.78%. The percentage of Black individuals showed a marginal decline of 2.21%, while the American Indian and Alaskan Native category remained steady at 0.52%.

20002010Change
White67.65%62.67%-7.36%
Asian/Pacific Islander25.35%28.85%13.81%
Black4.07%3.98%-2.21%
Hispanic1.13%2.54%124.78%
Two or More Races1.28%1.45%13.28%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0.52%0.52%0%

Mach ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Mach is French & German, which comprises 21.8% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Eastern European (21.7%) and British & Irish (21.4%). Additional ancestries include Vietnamese, Chinese, Scandinavian, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Italian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWNCOMPOSITION
French & German21.8%
Eastern European21.7%
British & Irish21.4%
Other35.1%
Paternal Haplo Image

Your paternal lineage may be linked to the Han Chinese

The branches of haplogroup O are present in both northern and southern Han Chinese men at low to moderate frequencies, but are most common among the Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Zhejiang southern Han groups. The Han people, who all share the same language and similar cultural practices, are the largest ethnic group in the world, with about 1.2 billion people. Historical evidence shows that Han people are descendants of the ancient Huaxia tribes that come from northern China, and Han language and culture only expanded into southern China in the last 2,000 years. The spread of Han people and culture from northern to southern China was likely driven by warfare and famine in the north. Members of O-M119 belong to a group that has helped to shape the culture of the world's largest ethnic group.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Maternal Haplo Image

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mach

The meaning and origin of the last name Mach

The surname Mach is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "mache" or "mak," meaning "maker" or "creator." It was likely an occupational surname used to identify individuals who were skilled craftsmen or artisans. The name may have been given to those who worked with their hands, particularly in the production of tools, furniture, or other household items. This surname is circulated in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany, where it has various spellings such as Mach, Macha, and Mache. Over time, families with the surname Mach may have migrated and settled in other countries, leading to its presence in different parts of the world. Today, individuals with the surname Mach can be found across Europe and in various countries where migration and diaspora have taken place.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mach

The last name Mach is predominantly found in Central Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. In Germany, the name is most concentrated in the southern regions, including Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. In Poland, the name has a significant presence in the Silesian and Greater Poland regions. In the Czech Republic, it is primarily found in Bohemia and Moravia.

Additionally, there are smaller pockets of the surname Mach in other European countries, including Austria, Switzerland, and Slovakia. It is worth noting that variations of the name, such as "Machová" in Czech, can also be found in these countries.

Outside of Europe, the name Mach can be found among individuals of Central European descent who have migrated to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, the concentration of the surname is significantly lower in these regions compared to its European counterparts.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mach

The last name Mach has various variations and spellings related to different languages and regions. In English-speaking countries, it is most commonly seen as Mach. In German-speaking countries like Germany and Austria, it might be spelled as Mah, Mahch, or Mak. In Czech, the name could be written as Mach, Mag, or Machek. Alternatively, in Polish, it could appear as Mach or Machowski. While the name retains its distinctive sound, the different spellings reflect the influence of different cultures and languages. These variations can be attributed to historical migrations, phonetic interpretations, or language-specific rules. Regardless of the spelling, Mach remains an intriguing surname with a rich linguistic background, reminding us of the diverse heritage and multiculturalism within different societies.

Famous people with the last name Mach

Famous individuals with the last name Mach include influential figures from various fields. Ernst Mach (1838-1916), an eminent Austrian physicist and philosopher, made substantial contributions to the study of shock waves and supersonic motion, formulating the Mach number, which represents the ratio of an object's speed to the speed of sound. Various principles and concepts in physics are named after him, emphasizing his significant impact on scientific progress. Another notable figure with the last name Mach is Helena Mach (1939-2003), a renowned Brazilian artist and sculptor. Her innovative artworks often incorporated organic forms and materials, utilizing wood, stone, and metal to create compelling visual narratives. Helena's contributions to the art world have been recognized and celebrated both in Brazil and internationally. These individuals, among others, have left lasting impressions in their respective fields, commemorating the legacy and significance of the last name Mach.

Genealogical research on the last name Mach

The last name Mach is of German origin and traces back to medieval times. Research on the genealogy of the Mach family reveals that it is derived from the Middle High German word "mache," meaning "making" or "maker." The surname likely originated as an occupational name, given to individuals involved in various trades or crafts. Over the centuries, the Mach family spread across different regions of Germany, including Bavaria, Saxony, and Prussia. Migration patterns in the 19th and 20th centuries led some Mach descendants to settle in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Argentina. Family records and historical documents show that the name has several variations, including Mah, Mache, and Machele. Tracing the family tree and exploring the ancestral lineage of the Mach surname can provide valuable insights into the family's past and offer connections to distant relatives across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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