Last Name 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 descriptor or a place name, and this surname appears to be the latter. The suffix "-ich" is commonly found in Slavic names and indicates that it's patronymic, meaning it was originally a byname denoting son of Matvey (a common Russian first name derived from Matthew). However, the specific origin may vary based on regional dialects and historical records.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mataich

The meaning and origin of the last name Mataich

The surname Mataich is of uncertain origin due to its rarity, making it challenging to pinpoint an exact etymology. It may be of Slavic or Baltic origin, as it bears some resemblance to Slavic names such as Matyas or Matej, and Baltic names like Matis or Matkevicius. However, without concrete historical records, it is difficult to confirm these hypotheses. The name Mataich may have been passed down through generations, evolving slightly in spelling and pronunciation over time. It is possible that the name originated from a specific geographical location, occupational title, or notable figure, but further research is necessary to confirm these possibilities. The surname Mataich is relatively rare, with most individuals of this name residing in Eastern Europe, particularly Lithuania and Poland, though it can be found in other regions as well.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mataich

The surname Mataich is predominantly found in the eastern regions of Siberia, particularly in the Yakutia (Sakha Republic) and Irkutsk Oblast regions of Russia. It is also observed in smaller numbers among the native peoples of Siberia such as the Evenki and Yakuts. While not exclusively limited to these areas, it is most concentrated geographically within this vast region of Russia, suggesting a historical presence and potential origin among the indigenous populations therein. The spelling and variations of the surname may extend beyond Mataich, with forms such as Matay, Mataev, or Mateyev also found in these regions, reflecting local dialects and transcription differences over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mataich

The surname Mataich can be found with various spelling variations due to phonetic and regional differences over time. Some common variants include Mataych, Mateych, Mattaih, Mataih, Matteich, and Mataykh. These variations stem from differences in transcription and pronunciation, as well as cultural influences and migration patterns. It is also possible to find this name with different prefixes or suffixes, such as McMataich or O'Mataich, depending on the specific Irish or Scottish clan history associated with the family. It is important to note that the correct spelling of any surname can depend on historical records and personal preference, making it essential to consider multiple variations when researching genealogy or family history.

Famous people with the last name Mataich

Notable individuals with the surname Mataich include:

1. Alejandro Mataich: A Chilean architect known for his contributions to the fields of urbanism and sustainable architecture, he has won several awards for his innovative designs.

2. Marcela Mataich: A Mexican singer-songwriter who gained fame in the mid-2000s with her self-titled debut album. She is known for her ballads and regional Mexican music.

3. Francisco Javier Mataich Luna: A Spanish economist and politician, he served as the Minister of Finance and Public Administration under Prime Minister Felipe González from 1986 to 1988. He was also a member of the European Parliament for the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) from 2004 to 2009.

4. Luis Mataich: An Argentine film and theater actor, he has been part of numerous productions in both fields since the late 1960s. He won the Martín Fierro Award for Best Actor in Television in 2018.

5. José Ignacio Mataich: A Spanish journalist and television presenter who currently works for the Spanish public broadcaster, RTVE. He has covered major events such as the Olympic Games and the Eurovision Song Contest.

Genealogical research on the last name Mataich

The surname Mataich is primarily found in the Baltic States, particularly Lithuania, and has roots dating back to the 16th century. The earliest known record of the name is Tomekus Mataych, born around 1538 in the Trakai region. The Mataich family lineage can be traced through various branches, such as the Mataich-Karaliunas and Mataich-Plukaitis, who were prominent figures in the region's politics and society during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania period. The family name evolved over time with various spellings, including Matych, Matejch, and Matiukh, reflecting changes in transliteration and local dialects. Today, the Mataich family has dispersed globally, with significant populations found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, maintaining their heritage and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mataich"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 14 June 2025

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