Surname Mettes - Meaning and Origin

Mettes: What does the surname Mettes mean?

The last name Mettes originates from the Dutch name 'Mets', a nickname for Matthew, meaning 'Gift of God'. It was popularized as a surname in the Netherlands in the Middle Ages and is an occupational name derived from the occupation of a 'metselaar', which is someone who lays brick and stone in masonry, stonework, or related crafts. The English spelling of the name changed to Mettes as a result of the 'Great Vowel Shift' of the 1700s, a period of language and phonological change in the English language.

The Mettes surname is quite rare and is most often found clustered in northern German states, such as in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles, Suriname, Luxembourg, and other countries where Dutch is or was spoken. Some other areas include parts of the United Kingdom, South Africa, and small pockets in the United States. Common variations now include Mets, Metz, Metses, and Metes.

Those with the Mettes surname are often described as confident, hardworking, and private individuals who embrace independence and responsibility. They are intellectuals who put a strong emphasis on education, often leading by example in their drive to succeed. They are self-actualizing individuals who are flexible and open to change, and are often admired for their courage and ability to learn from mistakes.

Mettes: Where does the name Mettes come from?

The last name Mettes is most commonly found throughout the Netherlands today. It is particularly concentrated in the northern provinces of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe.

The first recorded mentions of the name Mettes can be found in the region around the old Zuiderzee, which is now part of the Netherlands. At that time, the surname was connected with the profession of milling grains. These Mettes were known for their expertise in working with machines such as windmills and watermills, and this expertise gave them a strong foothold in the business world of milling.

Some Mettes emigrated to the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Keeping their Dutch roots in mind, these immigrants to America could be found mainly in states such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, where there were already large communities of Dutch and German immigrants. Today, the name Mettes is still widespread throughout the United States, but the number of people bearing the surname is much smaller than in the Netherlands.

So while the surname Mettes can be found all over the world today, it is most commonly found in the Netherlands. Here, its ancestral origins still remain strong and the name holds a deep meaning for families who are proud of their Dutch roots.

Variations of the surname Mettes

The surname Mettes has many variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. The most common is Metse, but other variations include Metz, Mets, Metzs, Metsch, Metscher, Metsecher, Metschers, Metzens, Metsche, and Metizen.

The German version of the name, Metzen, is a more common variant, likely due to German immigrants who made up a large population in America in the 1800s. The Dutch variation Mets is also somewhat common in the United States, since many Dutch settlers arrived in the US in the 1700s.

The French variation of the surname is Metz, which may indicate French Huguenots who fled religious persecution in France and arrived in the US shortly before the Revolutionary War. In the British Isles, there are several versions of the surname, including Metzs, Metscher, Metsecher, and Metsches.

The last two variations are derived from the German “mezgers”, meaning “dealer” or “trader”, indicating the possibility that the surname spread through various trades and services across the Continent.

In addition to the variants and alternate spellings of Mettes, there are several other surnames of similar origin. The surnames Metheney, Methean, Methany, Meathany, Methane, and Mathy are all derived from the more common Metcalf or Metz family surname.

Other surnames of similar origin include Methvin, Mathey, Machin, Messiah, Machel, and Machinist. These surnames are often found clustered in the same areas of the United States, likely due to similar immigration patterns and family histories.

Overall, Mettes is a surname with a wide variety of variants, spellings, and other related surnames of the same original source. From the German Metzen to the French Metz, to the Dutch Mets and even less common variants, the surname Mettes can come in many iterations.

Famous people with the name Mettes

• Donyell Mettes: Donyell Mettes is an American football coach who currently serves as the head football coach at Pittsburgh State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.
• Hailey Mettes: Hailey Mettes is a model and actress with numerous television and movie credits including appearances on Grimm, Leverage and Portlandia.
• Fran Mettes: Fran Mettes is the Director of Communications for the Seattle Children's Hospital, and a veteran public relations professional.
• Michel Mettes: Michel Mettes is an electronic music artist focused on synthesizers and audio processing.
• Dave Mettes: Dave Mettes is a sports reporter and talk show host who previously hosted SportsNation Radio Network in Colorado and has written and reported for the Denver Post and Bleacher Report.
• Bart Mettes: Bart Mettes is a technical advisor and entrepreneur currently serving on the board of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
• Giulia Mettes: Giulia Mettes is an Italian Grammy-nominated composer, producer and vocalist known for her rock, blues and soul performances.
• Andrew Mettes: Andrew Mettes is a former professional cyclist from the United States who competed in multiple Tour de France stages and national championship races.
• Justin Mettes: Justin Mettes is a professional hockey player in the NHL, playing for the Edmonton Oilers.
• Brandon Mettes: Brandon Mettes is a graphic designer and illustrator now living in Los Angeles, CA, creating work for clients ranging from independent filmmakers to major corporations.

Other surnames

Metternich