Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Mataga

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Mataga?

The surname Mataga is of Finnish origin. It is derived from a personal name Matti, a common name in Finland, which means gift of God. In Finland, it is often shortened to Taaga, and surnames were adopted on a widespread level only in the 19th century. Surnames like Mataga may have different spellings due to variations in translation and migration history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mataga

The meaning and origin of the last name Mataga

The surname Mataga is of African origin, specifically from the Bantu-speaking peoples of West and Central Africa. It's derived from various linguistic roots within the Bantu language family, with different meanings depending on the specific dialect or ethnic group. In some instances, the name could be a descriptive term related to physical attributes, occupation, or personal qualities. For example, in certain dialects of Swahili, "mataga" can mean "snake." However, it's essential to note that surnames often have multiple interpretations and origins within the vast Bantu language group. The migration patterns of Bantu-speaking peoples over thousands of years have led to a wide dispersal of similar-sounding names across various regions in Africa.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mataga

The surname Mataga is predominantly found in African countries, particularly in Tanzania and Uganda, where it is most prevalent due to ethnic groups like the Sukuma, Haya, and Nyakyusa in Tanzania, and the Acholi and Langi in Uganda. It's also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Africa, such as Kenya and Congo, reflecting migrations and historical interactions among African societies. Beyond Africa, there are scattered occurrences of the surname Mataga, primarily due to migration and diaspora, with reports in countries like the United States and Canada. However, its frequency outside Africa is significantly lower compared to its presence on the continent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mataga

The surname Mataga can have various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations of this name include Mataha, Matagaia, Matagahi, Matagiya, and Matagio. These variations may stem from regional dialects or errors during the process of immigration and record-keeping. Additionally, some families may have slightly different surname spellings due to factors such as handwriting styles, misspellings by officials, or changes made to adapt to a new language or culture. It's essential to consider these variations when researching genealogy or ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Mataga

Mataga is not a commonly observed surname among famous individuals worldwide. However, there are some notable figures with this last name who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One such individual is Masahiro Mataga, a Japanese politician who served as the Governor of Okayama Prefecture from 2013 to 2019. In the realm of academia, Hideki Mataga is recognized for his research in computational physics and theoretical chemistry. Another notable figure is Yoshio Mataga, a Japanese painter known for his abstract works that incorporate elements of both Eastern and Western art styles. Although not as globally renowned as some other surnames, the Matagas have demonstrated impressive achievements across diverse fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Mataga

The Mataga surname is believed to have originated from Japan and is associated with the Taira clan, one of the most powerful families during the Heian period (794-1185). The Taira clan members were given land in various regions, including the Kanto Plain, where the Mataga family is thought to have settled. During the Edo period (1603-1868), many Samurai families changed their surnames as part of governmental reforms, and it's possible that some members of the Mataga clan adopted different names at this time. The Matagas are also found in Hawaii, where Japanese immigration began in the late 19th century. In the United States, the Mataga name can be traced to immigrants who arrived in the early 20th century and settled primarily in Hawaii and California.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
About the author :

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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Mataa ki jay

Last name • surnames > mataa-ki-jay

The last name "Mataa Ki Jay" has its origin in India. It is a common Hindi phrase used as a sign of respect and devotion, often meaning "victory to Mother Durga" in reference to th...

#2 Mataalii

Last name • surnames > mataalii

The surname "Mataalii" is of Hawaiian origin. It is a traditional Hawaiian title or name that translates to "chief" or "king." In ancient Hawaii, ali'i (chiefs) were important figu...

#3 Matab ali

Last name • surnames > matab-ali

The last name Matab Ali is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic name "Ali" which means "noble" or "exalted." It is often associated with Islamic culture and is a common surnam...

#4 Matabalan

Last name • surnames > matabalan

The last name "Matabalan" has its origin in the Philippines. It is a Filipino surname derived from the Tagalog word "mataba" which means "plump" or "fat", and "lan" which is a comm...

#5 Matabane

Last name • surnames > matabane

The last name "Matabane" is of African origin, specifically from the Sotho people of Lesotho and South Africa. The name likely has a meaning or significance in the Sotho language o...

#6 Matabaro

Last name • surnames > matabaro

The surname Matabaro is of Basque origin, a historical region located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. It is one of the many surnames that originated from the...

#7 Matabbor

Last name • surnames > matabbor

The surname Matabbor is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name 'Matteo', which is the Italian form of Matthew.

#8 Matachana

Last name • surnames > matachana

The last name Matachana is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Navarre in northern Spain. The Basques are an ethnic group who have lived in the Basque Country, which ...

#9 Matade

Last name • surnames > matade

The last name "Matade" is of Spanish origin. It is likely derived from the Spanish word "matar," meaning "to kill" or "to slaughter." It may have originally been an occupational su...

#10 Matahari

Last name • surnames > matahari

The last name "Matahari" has Indonesian origins. In Indonesian, "matahari" translates to "sun". It is derived from the words "mata" meaning "eye" and "hari" meaning "day". Therefor...

#11 Matahoade

Last name • surnames > matahoade

The surname "Matahoade" has its origin in the Basque Country, a region located in northern Spain. The surname is of Basque origin and is believed to have originated from a place na...

#12 Mataich

Last name • surnames > mataich

The surname Mataich is of Russian origin. It's derived from a place name, likely Matveyevichi, which was a village in ancient Russia. Surnames often arose from an occupational desc...

#13 Mataiki

Last name • surnames > mataiki

Mata'i'ko is a Samoan surname that derives from a traditional title within the Samoan society. The title "Mata'i'ko" translates to "High Chief" or "Paramount Chief," reflecting the...

#14 Matakhail

Last name • surnames > matakhail

The surname Matakhail is of Pashtun origin and is believed to come from the Pashto word "Matakhel," which is the name of a Pashtun tribe in Afghanistan. The name likely refers to t...

#15 Matala

Last name • surnames > matala

The surname "Matala" is of Finnish origin, deriving from the Finnish word for "gravel." It likely was originally a topographic surname for someone who lived by a gravelly area.