Surname Mathurin - Meaning and Origin
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Mathurin: What does the surname Mathurin mean?
The last name Mathurin has both French and British origins. In French, it is a topographical name derived from the Old French term ‘masure’, meaning a ‘little farm’ or ‘small stronghold’. Alternatively, it is derived from the Welsh word ‘mathur’, meaning ‘bear’.
Mathurin is a relatively uncommon surname, and can mainly be found in French-speaking areas of Europe, especially in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. It is conceivable that in its early days, the Mathurin surname was used to indicate a family ancestral link to a small stronghold or isolated farmstead.
In Britain, Mathurin is a less common surname, although there are records of at least two individuals with this last name holding lands in Scotland in the fifteenth century. Mathurin is also recorded as a surname in the USA, particularly associated with individuals who migrated from French-speaking countries at the turn of the twentieth century.
Due to its varied French and British origins, Mathurin is a unique and rare surname, indicating an individual's enduring connection to small land holdings and to both French and British traditional culture.
Order DNA origin analysisMathurin: Where does the name Mathurin come from?
The last name Mathurin is most commonly seen in countries with French-speaking populations; notably Haiti, France, Canada, and a few other parts of the Caribbean. Haiti is particularly associated with the surname as its culture and language is a melding of African, French, and Indigenous traditions. All three of these influences shaped the surnames seen there today, including Mathurin.
In France, the name Mathurin dates back to the early Middle Ages, and has been passed down throughout the generations. It is most commonly found in the western chunk of France, such as the departments of Charente-Maritime and Vendée. These departments have particular historical significance to the Mathurin name, as it is said to have derived from one of the ancient regions of France named Mathoud in Vendée.
In Canada, Mathurin is also a prominent surname, especially in Quebec and the Gaspé Peninsula. It was common among the French-speaking habitants who first settled the region centuries ago. Still today, you will find Mathurin’s populating the area.
Overall, the last name Mathurin is most common in French-speaking countries, notably Haiti, France, and Canada. Each country has their own history and cultural connections to the Mathurin name that still have bearing today.
Variations of the surname Mathurin
The Mathurin surname has multiple variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variations include Mathurine, Mathourie, Mathurin, Mathuron, Matturin, Matturine, Matourin, Matourian, Maturin, Matusin and Matutin. Each of these variations can also be used interchangeably as a surname.
Mathurin is a Latin-based surname, stemming from the Latin personal name Matthaeus (the Biblical Matthew). This name was derived from the Hebrew 'Matityahu', which firms 'gift of the Lord'. It is also quite possible that the Mathurin surname is derived from Matheolus, an old French given name formed from the same Greek elements.
The Mathurin spelling of the surname is primarily found in France and Canada. Mathurine is the spelling most commonly found in the United States. Other variations of the name can be found in various parts of the world, including New Zealand and India.
Some of the other surnames associated with this family name are Mathieu, Mathiasson, Mathieu-Butler, Mathur, Mathurai, Matthys, Mattia, Mattias, Matthiessen, Matthiauw and Mattingly.
All of these surnames have one thing in common: they can all be traced back to the Latin personal name Matthaeus. This surname has been borne by many people throughout history, from ancient biblical figures to contemporary writers, artists, entertainers and businesspeople.
Famous people with the name Mathurin
- Dieudonné Mathurin, Haitian novelist and playwright.
- Michèle Mathurin-Mair, Grenadian law professor at the University of the West Indies.
- Horace Mathurin, Haitian diplomat and charity worker.
- Jean Mathurin, former Prime Minister of Haiti.
- Laïanne Mathurin, Haiti's former Minister of Women's Rights and Women's Affairs.
- Julien Mathurin, Haiti's former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- Max Mathurin, Haitian musician and songwriter.
- Miriace Mathurin, Haitian professional soccer player.
- Jean-Claude Louis Mathurin, Haiti's Minister of Health.
- Philippe Mathurin, Haitian senator.