This interesting surname of English origin is an occupational name for a mower or reaper of grass or hay, deriving from the Old English pre 7th Century "moethere". Hay was formerly of great importance, not only as feed for animals in winter but also for bedding. In South Lancashire where the surname has been widespread for a long time, it is probably a late development of Madder, which is either a metonymic occupational name for a dyer or seller of dye, deriving the Middle English "mad(d)er", Olde English pre 7th Century "moedere" meaning "madder", a dark red dye obtained from plant roots, or a nickname for a person with a ruddy complexion using the same element.
The suffix "s" indicates the patronymic hence "the son of Mather". The surname dates back to the mid 13th Century, (see below). London church records include one Joan Mathers who married Caleb Hudson, on September 9th 1627, at St. Mary Abchurch, London, and Thomas Mather aged 30, a famine emigrant, sailed from Liverpool aboard the Washington bound for New York on June 2nd 1846. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Alan le Mathere, which was dated 1249, "The Assize Rolls of Wiltshire", during the reign of King Henry 111, "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Research into the possible origins of mathers leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname mathers, and in addition to the original locations of mathers, we can find out where people with the surname mathers can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of mathers.
There is a considerable probability that mathers has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where mathers is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname mathers has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named mathers are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname mathers are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname mathers.
It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of mathers could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname mathers or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of mathers.
We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname mathers, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like mathers can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname mathers, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname mathers who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
The bibliography collects information related to the surname mathers, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname mathers, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of mathers.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of mathers, and at the same time, of surnames in general.