Surname Mata - Meaning and Origin
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Mata: What does the surname Mata mean?
The last name Mata is a common Spanish surname derived from the Latin word for "rewards" or "gifts". The name likely evolved when families were given the last name as a reward or acknowledgement of services rendered. Throughout history, the Mata surname has been associated with wealth, nobility, and power.
Mata is a patronymic surname, meaning that it originates from the father's given name. In Spain, before the 19th century, it was common for people to take their father's given name as their last name, prompting the evolution of the Mata surname. In some cases, the father's name was abbreviated, resulting in surnames like Mata and Mota.
In the Spanish-speaking world, anyone with the last name Mata can likely trace their ancestry back to Spain. The name is most common in Hispanic-speaking countries today, and is especially popular in Mexico, Spain, the Philippines, and many Latin American countries. Although the surname is most frequently associated with Spain, it is also found in Portugal and several other countries around the world, suggesting there is a shared worldwide history among those who use the name.
Since the Mata surname refers to rewards, those who carry this surname are believed to be hard workers and achievers. Its long history, association with nobility, and popularity throughout the Spanish-speaking world make the Mata last name a meaningful and recognizable one.
Order DNA origin analysisMata: Where does the name Mata come from?
The last name Mata is common today among Spanish-speaking countries. The name is derived from the Latin word "mattius," which means "gift of God." The name is particularly common in Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Latin America, but can be found in other countries as well.
In Spain, according to official data, it is the 127th most common surname in the country. The name Mata is also found in France, Italy, and Mexico as well as portions of the United States where large Spanish-speaking populations reside. It is also common among the Philippines, and was formerly common in various former colonies of Spain, such as Cuba.
History indicates that the name was first used in the Iberian Peninsula sometime between the 8th and 11th century and appeared in several different variations. Its initial use was as an ancestral name for people colonizing the territories in which it was used.
Mata is also a popular surname in Portugal and Ireland. Portuguese records show that it is the 110th most popular name in the country. Its use in Ireland is much more recent and is attributed to the adoption of Spanish surnames by individuals who had moved there from Spain.
The name Mata has a vast and varied history with regards to its usage and geographical location. While it is primarily found among countries with Spanish-speaking populations, it can also be found in other parts of the world, illustrating its importance over the years.
Variations of the surname Mata
Mata is a surname with origins in multiple countries. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin vary depending on the country of origin.
In Spanish, 'Mata' is a topographical surname referring to someone who lived near a marsh or wooded area. Variants include: Mata, Matta, Matai, Matamá, Matamoro, Matamoros, Mateo, Matias, and Matoso.
In Portuguese, 'Mata' is a topomymic surname referring to someone who originally came from a place called Mata. Variants include: Mata, Matta, Matas, de Mata, Da Mata, and Matai.
In India, 'Mata' is a surname derived from the Sanskrit word for Mother. Variants include: Matha, Maathai, Maatta, Matai, Mathai, Mathea, Mathei, Mathiar.
In France, 'Mata' is a surname derived from the Latin word for 'death'. Variants include: Mat, Matas, Mate, Mateo, Mategot, Mateu, Mateus, Maury, Maurey, Maury.
In Scotland, 'Mata' is a form of the name 'Mactaff', which is derived from the Gaelic Mac Tadhg. Variants include: Mactaff, Mactaffie, Maktauf, Maktouf, Maktouff, Mataff, and Matauf.
Overall, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Mata depend on the country or region of origin.
Famous people with the name Mata
- Héctor Mata: Professional soccer defender from Mexico who played for five clubs, including the Mexican national team
- João Máta: Portuguese actor best known for his roles in series like "Vingança" and "Perdidos na Névoa"
- Pepe Mata: Spanish mixed martial arts fighter who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Lucia Mata: Paraguayan ballerina and singer, known as “La Reina del Paraguay”
- Javier Mata: Spanish singer-songwriter who has released a number of solo albums
- Nuno Matos: Former Portuguese football player and current manager of Portuguese sports club Desportivo das Aves
- Antonio Mata: Spanish footballer who plays as a defender for Real Madrid
- Gustavo Matos: Brazilian football midfielder who plays for Palmeiras
- Carlos Mata: Venezuelan actor, singer, and composer
- Luciano Mata: Former Uruguayan football player and current coach of Deportivo Maldonado