NomOrigine Background

Last Name Matzneff

What is the origin of the last name Matzneff?

The last name Matzneff is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name Mathias or Matthias, which is a variant of the name Matthew. The suffix "-neff" is a common suffix in German surnames, indicating "descendant of" or "son of." Therefore, Matzneff would mean "son of Matthias."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Matzneff

The meaning and origin of the last name Matzneff

The surname Matzneff is of French origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "mazenelle," which means 'a type of tropical snake.' Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname evolved to become Matzneff. The surname may have been used to describe someone who had characteristics or qualities associated with a snake, such as cunning or stealth. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname given to someone who worked with snakes or lived in an area where these reptiles were common. As with many surnames, the exact origins and meanings can vary depending on the region and family lineage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Matzneff

The last name Matzneff is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Ile-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, and Grand Est. It is also present in smaller numbers in countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. This surname is more commonly found in urban areas rather than rural areas, as individuals with this last name tend to be concentrated in cities and metropolitan areas. The distribution of the Matzneff surname outside of France can be attributed to migration patterns and historical events that have led individuals with this surname to settle in different countries across Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Matzneff

Matzneff is a French surname that may also be spelled as Matznef, Matzneff, Matznef, Matznef, Matsnef, or Matsneff. These variations may be due to differences in transliteration from the original French pronunciation. The surname may be of German origin, as it bears resemblance to Germanic naming patterns. In any case, the variations in spelling may occur in official documents or records, as well as in different regions or among different branches of the same family.

Famous people with the last name Matzneff

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Matzneff is Gabriel Matzneff, a French writer and controversial figure known for his explicit and provocative works. He gained notoriety for his writings on sexuality and relationships, often blurring the line between fiction and autobiography. Despite his literary success, Matzneff has faced criticism and legal troubles for his controversial views on pedophilia and relationships with underage individuals. Another notable figure with the last name Matzneff is Thibault Matzneff, a French actor and director who has made a name for himself in the film industry. Overall, the Matzneff name is associated with creativity, controversy, and talent in the worlds of literature and cinema.

Genealogical research on the last name Matzneff

Matzneff is a surname of German origin, and is believed to be derived from the given name Matz, a diminutive of Matthias. The name can be traced back to the medieval era in Germany, specifically in the region of Bavaria. The Matzneff family may have been associated with nobility or landed gentry, as indicated by records of land ownership and coat of arms. Through genealogical research, it is possible to identify various branches of the Matzneff family tree and their connections to other notable families in the region. The surname Matzneff has likely undergone variations in spelling over the centuries, making it important to consider different spellings such as Matzner or Matznerf when conducting further research into the family's history and origins.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Matali (Last name)

surnames > matali

The surname Matali is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "matali," which means "hammer" in Italian. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone wh...

Matalubos (Last name)

surnames > matalubos

The last name "Matalubos" is likely of Filipino origin. The name may be derived from the Filipino word "talubos" which means "rescuer" or "savior". It is possible that the name was...

Mataly (Last name)

surnames > mataly

The last name "Mataly" does not have a widely known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it could be a variant spelling of a more common surname, or it could be a rare...