Last Name Mather

The last name "Mather" has English origins. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "mader" or "madir," which means "mower" or "mower of grass." The surname would have originally been used to identify someone whose occupation involved cutting or mowing grass, such as a mower or a hay cutter. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have evolved to "Mather." It is important to note that surnames often had multiple variations due to regional accents, illiteracy, or changes made during immigration or record-keeping.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mather

The meaning and origin of the last name Mather

The surname Mather has an English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Mæthhere," which is composed of the elements "maeth" meaning "meeting or assembly" and "here" meaning "army or warrior." Therefore, the name can be understood to mean "meeting warrior" or "warrior who assembles." The surname Mather is also associated with a place name in Scotland. It is believed that individuals who lived near a location called "Mather" adopted the name as their surname. This further supports the notion that the surname is of topographical origin. Over time, variations of the Mather surname have emerged, such as Mathers and MacMath. Notable individuals with the surname Mather include influential theologians and clergymen such as Increase Mather and Cotton Mather, who played significant roles in the early history of North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mather

The last name Mather has a primarily English origin and is derived from the Old English word "maða," meaning "mower." It is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in areas with historical connections to Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. The surname Mather can also be traced back to the United States, where it arrived with early English settlers. Today, it is most prevalent in the New England region, especially in the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The distribution of the Mather surname extends beyond English-speaking countries, with significant numbers found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the migration patterns of English-speaking populations over the centuries. It is worth noting that while the surname Mather is not as widespread as some others, there may still be individuals bearing this name in other parts of the world due to individual migration or intermarriage with other families.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mather

The last name Mather can have variations and spellings depending on regional dialects, historical records, and individual preferences. Some common variations include Mathers, Matthers, Matheer, Mathears, and Mathar. These alternate spellings may have arisen due to clerical errors during record-keeping or as a result of immigrants adapting the spelling to better suit the pronunciation in their new country. It is also likely that different branches of the Mather family adopted different spellings over time. For instance, in some regions or countries, the "th" sound may be replaced with a "t" sound, resulting in variations like Matther or Mather. Moreover, individuals from the Mather family may have changed the spelling themselves, either intentionally or unintentionally, due to factors such as personal preference or to distinguish themselves from others with the same last name.

Famous people with the last name Mather

One of the most prominent figures with the last name Mather is Cotton Mather, a highly influential American Puritan minister and writer during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Known for his involvement in the Salem witch trials, Mather was a prolific author and played a significant role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the American colonies. Another notable individual with the last name Mather is Increase Mather, father of Cotton Mather and a distinguished theologian and minister in his own right. Increase Mather was instrumental in the establishment of Harvard College, now Harvard University, and served as its president for several years. Furthermore, Richard Mather, an English-born Congregational minister, was a prominent early settler and religious leader in colonial Massachusetts, known for his sermons and writings that helped shape the religious institutions of New England. The Mathers are a family of significant historical and religious influence in the United States, leaving a lasting impact on American society and religious thought.

Genealogical research on the last name Mather

The surname Mather is of English origin and has an intriguing genealogical history. The earliest record of the name can be traced back to the 12th century, and it is believed to have originated from the occupation of a "mower" or a person who cuts grass. The Mather family has deep roots in the Lancashire region of England, particularly in the areas of Atherton and Bolton. The most notable figure in the Mather family tree is Rev. Richard Mather, who emigrated from England to Massachusetts in the early 17th century. He played a significant role in the establishment of Harvard College and became a prominent Puritan minister in the New World. His descendants, such as Increase Mather and Cotton Mather, also made notable contributions to American history, theology, and education. Today, the Mather surname continues to be found not only in England but also in various parts of the United States, Canada, and Australia, reflecting the diaspora of the family across generations.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mather"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends