History and Significance of the Surname Matthess

The Origins of the Surname Matthess

The surname Matthess is a relatively uncommon surname that can be traced back to several different countries. The name has origins in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France, and Norway. Each country has its own unique history and meaning behind the surname Matthess.

United States

In the United States, the surname Matthess is most prevalent in the state of California, with a total incidence of 192. The name likely originated from German immigrants who settled in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The spelling of the surname may have been anglicized over time, leading to variations such as Matthews or Mathis. The name is relatively rare in the United States compared to other common surnames.

Germany

In Germany, the surname Matthess has an incidence of 42. The name is of German origin and is likely derived from the given name Matthias, which means "gift of God." The name is relatively common in Germany and has been passed down through generations of German families. It is often found in regions with a strong Germanic heritage, such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, the surname Matthess has an incidence of 16. The name is of Swiss-German origin and is most commonly found in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland. The name likely originated from German immigrants who settled in Switzerland centuries ago. The surname may have variations in spelling, such as Matthes or Mathis, depending on the region.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, the surname Matthess has a low incidence of 4. The name is of German origin and is most commonly found in regions with a history of German settlement. The surname may have variations in spelling, such as Matěj or Matyáš, depending on the Czech dialect. The name is relatively rare in the Czech Republic compared to other common surnames.

France

In France, the surname Matthess has an incidence of 2. The name is of German origin and is likely derived from the given name Mathieu, the French form of Matthias. The name may have been brought to France by German immigrants or Huguenots fleeing religious persecution. The surname may have variations in spelling, such as Matthieu or Matias, depending on regional influences.

Norway

In Norway, the surname Matthess has a very low incidence of 1. The name is of German origin and is likely derived from the given name Mathias, a variation of Matthias. The name may have been brought to Norway by German traders or settlers in the Middle Ages. The surname may have variations in spelling, such as Mathiesen or Mathisen, depending on regional dialects.

Overall, the surname Matthess has a diverse and rich history across different countries. While the name may have variations in spelling and pronunciation, its origins can be traced back to Germanic roots. The surname has likely been passed down through generations of families, preserving their heritage and connection to their ancestors.