Surname Maits - Meaning and Origin
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Maits: What does the surname Maits mean?
The last name Maits is of English origin and was likely derived from the Middle English word "mait," meaning small or slight. This was likely a nickname given to someone who was of short stature, or someone who was considered to be humble.
The surname first appeared in English documents in the late 13th century and came to be widely associated with the northern parts of the country. It is believed to have originated out of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and County Durham. It has since spread throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and other parts of the world.
In addition to its geographic importance, the last name Maits also carries cultural significance. It has been used throughout the centuries to describe someone who is dependable, reliable, and trustworthy. Those who bear the last name are often seen as possessing strong moral fiber and a sense of community responsibility—qualities that have made them important members of their local communities.
Maits families have historical roots stretching back many generations and are often proud to preserve their name and heritage. While the precise meaning of the surname is no longer known, it continues to be associated with the idea of respectability and hard work, making it an important part of many families’ identities.
Order DNA origin analysisMaits: Where does the name Maits come from?
The last name Maits is most commonly found in Estonia, where it is a variant of the surname Mättik, meaning "moulder." It is predominant in the Narva-Jõesuu municipality of Ida-Virumaa county, which is situated along the country's northern border with Russia. The name is also common in other parts of the Baltic region, including Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus.
In the United States, the name has also seen some usage, although to a lesser extent. The name is highly concentrated in Chicago, Illinois, where it is most likely due to Estonian immigrants. Additionally, some instances of the name have been reported in the states of Pennsylvania and New York.
It is uncertain how much usage the Maits name may have outside of the Baltic region and the United States. Records of the surname in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other European countries are often written as Mayts, Mats, or Matts which suggests that some variants have been Anglicized. In online genealogical databases, some instances of the surname have been found in Canada, the Netherlands, and Poland as well.
Overall, it is likely that the last name Maits is most common in the Baltic region, with notable presence in the United States. Limited usage of the name may exist outside these areas.
Variations of the surname Maits
The surname Maits is of English and German origin. There are various spelling variants and related surnames to this name.
In England, variants of Maits include Maitts, Maetts, Maittes, Mates, Maites, Matees, Mataes, Mates, Mayts, Myetts, Mytts, Myttes and Mytees.
In Germany, variants of Maits include Mohtes, Maetz, Mahtes, Maytes, Maehts, Mahes, Meytes and Mahetz.
Variants from other countries include Maze, Mez and Mazes from France; Mate, Maty and Máté from Hungary; Matijevic, Matejic, Matanovic, Matovic, Matijević and Matanović from Croatia.
Common related surnames of Maits include May, Mats, Mathey, Mathis, Mathews, Metts and Meats.
As with many surnames, spelling variants could depend on the origin of the family, as well as the pronunciation of the family name in different regions and countries. However, all variations of Maits can be traced back to the same origins.
Famous people with the name Maits
- Matt Maits: professional soccer player who began his career in 2016 and has since gone on to make a name for himself in Major League Soccer.
- Kaila Maits: former Miss California and US Air Force veteran.
- Scott Maits: model and actor known for his roles in the television series, "The Vampire Diaries" and "Reign".
- George Maits: professional golf player who has competed in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, such as the Memorial Tournament and the Masters.
- Augustine Maits: lead vocalist for the band Helmet and composer for the video game series "Just Cause".
- Patricia Maits: renowned poet and professor of literature at UCLA.
- Suzy Maits: bestselling novelist and founder of the Women's Writers Guild of America.
- Ronnie Maits: successful entrepreneur and investor in the technology industry.
- Nicky Maits: president of the Maits Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged communities in the US.
- John Maits: renowned chef and restaurateur, known for his involvement with celebrity chefs such as Thomas Keller and Gordon Ramsay.