Matheson (surname)

Matheson is a surname derived from the patronymic form of a short form of the English Matthew. This English personal name is ultimately derived from the Hebrew Mattathia, which means "gift of God". An early record form of the surname Matheson is Mathyson, recorded in 1392; this recorded name literally means "son of Mathi"—Mathi being a pet form of Matthew. Two different Scottish Gaelic surnames have been Anglicised Matheson. One such surname is Mac Mhathghamhuin (Clan Matheson), which became Anglicised Matheson on account of its similar sound. This Gaelic surname is of an entirely different etymology than Matheson, as the Gaelic mathghamhuin means "bear". Another Gaelic surname Anglicised Matheson is Mac Matha. This Gaelic surname is derived from the patronymic form of a Gaelic form of Matthew (for example, the modern Scottish Gaelic Mata and Matha are cognates of the English Matthew).