Surname Mattocks - Meaning and Origin

Mattocks: What does the surname Mattocks mean?

The surname Mattocks is of Anglo-Saxon origin rooted in pre 7th century Old English. It is an occupational name, deriving from the tool named "mattock", that was used for digging and weeding. The tool mainly consists of a long handle and a stout head, which combines an axe blade and an adze (cutting tool). Those who made these tools or used them regularly, such as farmers or gardeners, might have received the surname "Mattocks". Since occupational surnames were primarily taken up by those engaged in the occupation, the first person bearing the surname Mattocks was likely someone who made or used mattocks. Over time, it became a way to recognize and differentiate individuals. However, with civil registrations and official documents, surnames often become fixed and pass down through generations, disconnected from their original occupational significance. Like most surnames, different spellings of the name have emerged throughout the years, including Mattacks, Mattocks, Mattacks, and Matuschka.

Mattocks: Where does the name Mattocks come from?

The surname Mattocks is of English origin. It is derived from the medieval given name "Matoc," which is a diminutive of the personal name Matthew. The name Matthew is of Hebrew origin, which means "Gift of God". The name later developed different variant forms including Mattock and Mattocks. The surname Mattocks was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor.

Today, due to historic migration patterns, the surname Mattocks is more common in the United States, England, and Canada. It is particularly prevalent in areas of the eastern United States, such as North Carolina. However, relative to the general population, the surname Mattocks is not extremely common in any particular region. In terms of the world's total populous, the greatest concentration of people with the surname Mattocks live in Australia, followed by England, and the United States. Modern day web data suggests that approximately 3,000 individuals with the Mattocks surname exist in the United States today.

Variations of the surname Mattocks

The surname Mattocks originated from the Old English personal name Madoc. This personal name evolved overtime leading to different variants and spelling. Variations of the surname include: Maddocks, Maddick, Maddix, Madocks, Madix, Maddex, Maddox, Madox, and Madoch. These versions of the surname appeared as the English language changed and as the name was passed down in different regions.

The surname also changed according to local dialect and spelling conventions during the times when most people were illiterate. This is why we see such a variety of spellings for the same origin name. Therefore, although the spelling of these names may vary, they are nonetheless variants of the same original surname.

It is also notable to say that derivations of this surname can have the 's' ending, representing the patronymic 'son of,' as used commonly in the past. Other versions can include a 'x' in place of the 'cks' often creating a slight variation in pronunciation.

It would be important to note that the exact variant or spelling used by individuals and families often has regional, historical, or personal significance. Despite the different versions, they are all derived from the same historical and linguistic roots.

Famous people with the name Mattocks

• Tanya Mattocks: American singer-songwriter and producer
• Courtney Mattocks: American actor and director
• Eric Mattocks: American author, speaker, and internet entrepreneur
• Richard Mattocks: English footballer
• Jason Mattocks: British wrestler
• Al Mattocks: American former professional football player and coach
• Julian Mattocks: American actor and comedian
• James Mattocks: Canadian actor and producer
• David Mattocks: American actor and film producer
• Joseph Mattocks: British cyclist
• Robert Mattocks: American politician
• Joshua Mattocks: American chess grandmaster
• Bruce Mattocks: American jazz trumpeter and composer
• George Mattocks Jr.: American minister and civil rights activist
• Rebecca Mattocks: English soprano

Other surnames

MattocMattock