Surname Matterna - Meaning and Origin
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Matterna: What does the surname Matterna mean?
The last name Matterna has Germanic origins, deriving from the Middle High German elements 'mater' meaning 'mother' and 'erna' meaning 'eagle'. The name was likely originally used as an occupational surname for an eagle keeper, who would have cared for the birds which were kept for hunting.
In some cases, the name has been used as a patronymic surname, which referred to someone who was the son of a 'Mathe' (a shortened form of Matthias or Matthew). During the 17th and 18th centuries, many people with the Matterna surname settled in areas of the former Czechoslovakia.
The Matterna surname has many variants, including Mattern, Matterno, Martina, Martine and Martini. The nationalities associated with this surname have varied widely, with records showing Matternas in places such as the Netherlands, Austria, Poland and Czech Republic. It remains an uncommon surname, but is widely spread throughout Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisMatterna: Where does the name Matterna come from?
The Matterna surname is believed to be of German origin. It is most commonly found in Germany and the United States, where it may have evolved and adapted to a number of different spellings over the centuries, such as Mattern, Matten, Marton, and Matern. Today, Matterna is still a fairly common surname in Germany, particularly in the western states of Hesse, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine Westphalia. In the United States, the surname is mostly found in Pennsylvania, where it was among the top 500 surnames reported in 1880, and in Ohio, Illinois, and California. It is also found among the Amish and Mennonite populations. The Matterna surname has also spread to Australia and Canada, although the numbers are fewer. Those with the surname in these countries likely have some direct connection to the German origin of the name.
Variations of the surname Matterna
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Matterna include Mattner, Mattener, Maderna, Maderner, Madernerin, Matner, Matnerin, Madderna, Madern, Madner, Mader, Mattnerin, Maddern, Madnerin, Matnerin, and Matern.
Matterna is a Germanic language surname derived from the Middle High German word “madern” which means to temper or harden an alloy, making it an occupational surname for a smith.
The surname can also be found in different dialects such as Bavarian, Tyrolean, and in some parts of Austria where it has been changed to Maderner.
The Matterna spelling can also be found in parts of Poland and Romania.
In some cases, Matterna could have been used as an alternate name for Mattner or Mader depending on the interests of the speaker.
The Matterna spelling has also been found in parts of the United States where it has been anglicized as Mattern.
The name has also been shortened to “Mat” and “Mern.”
No matter what variant, spelling, or form of the surname, they all are of Germanic origin and derive from the Middle High German word “madern” meaning to temper or harden an alloy.
Famous people with the name Matterna
- Dorothea Matterna: An illustrator, children's book author and teacher from Germany who is best known for her 'Maya the Bee' comic series.
- Andy Matterna: An American composer, recording artist, bassist, and multi-instrumentalist notable for his work with the rock band "The Zombies".
- Sylvester Matterna: A Dutch-born road and river shipping entrepreneur, mathematician, historian and founder of the historic Freed Sterner & Company water shipping company.
- David Matterna: An American Cinematographer known for his work on films such as Donnie Darko, The Hangover III and The Notebook.
- Ari Matterna: A Hip-Hop/R&B producer and artist from Los Angeles, California well known for his work with 6lack, Boogie, JID, Lil Durk, Young Dolph, Tory Lanez and Wiz Khalifa.
- Mark Matterna: A Professional Photographer based in California who specializes in Fine Art Landscape Photography.
- Matthew Matterna: A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Los Angeles, California.
- John Matterna: An international multi-award-winning wildlife and nature photographer.
- Merle Matterna: An American author best known for her book 'The Girl Who Flew: A Memoir'.
- Michael Matterna: National President for the American Trucking Association and the CEO of Matterna Group, a private consulting firm specializing in transportation policy.