Surname Mater - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mater: What does the surname Mater mean?
The last name Mater is of Latin origin and it translates to "mother" in English. It could have been used to denote someone who exemplified the qualities of a mother, or possibly as a nickname for someone who had played the part of the 'Mother' in a medieval play. It could also have been derived from a religious context where 'Mater' references the Virgin Mary, frequently referred to as 'Mater Dei' or 'Mother of God' in Catholicism. Thus, the surname could potentially point to the religious devotion of a family. However, without specific genealogical data, these interpretations remain speculative. Like many surnames, its exact origin and meaning may vary based on the region and family it came from.
Order DNA origin analysisMater: Where does the name Mater come from?
The surname Mater is of German origin. In German, it translates to "mother" in English. However, as a surname, it is believed to have been derived from a maternal ancestor or from a nickname for a matriarchal figure within a tribe or community. It could also have originated as an occupational name for a peddler, deriving from the Middle Low German term 'mate', which means 'pack' or 'bundle'.
Today, it is relatively rare but most common in the United States, followed by Germany. Other countries with notable occurrences of the surname include France, Australia, and Canada. There are also occurrences of the Mater name in Brazil and South Africa, although less common. A variant of the surname, Mather, is also found in England, likely derived from the Old English term 'maððe', referring to a mowing or a mown field; though this surname is unrelated to the German 'Mater'. The nature of global migration means the surname is found worldwide, though sparsely.
Variations of the surname Mater
The surname Mater is believed to be of Latin origin and has several variants, spellings and derived surnames. Some examples include Matere, Matter, Matera, Mattera, Materra, and Maters. The surname can also be found as Von Mater or De Mater in Germanic or Latin regions respectively, with the prefix indicating noble blood or a place of origin.
Further variations could possibly include Madonna, which is also Latin for 'mother', similar to 'Mater', and Matero or Materi, derivatives common in Spanish and Italian-speaking societies primordial. There could also be possible influences from the French surname Maitre, given the linguistic similarities and close geographical proximity; however, specific evidence linking these names isn't readily available.
The context and use of the surname often depend on the geographical location and cultural setting. It also may have been altered over time due to migration, translation, or phonetic spelling.
The use of these surnames is broad and widespread globally due to emigration and the spread of cultures. It is always advisable to understand the specific ancestral and country of origin when researching or deciding on surname variants.
Famous people with the name Mater
- Alan Mater: American actor known for his appearances in films such as “In the Heat of the Night” and “The Green Berets”.
- Alvin Mater: Canadian actor who starred in TV shows such as “Smallville” and “Stargate SG-1”.
- Angie Mater: English model and celebrity who appeared in films such as “Avenue X” and “Snatch”.
- Arthur Mater: French playwright and director who wrote numerous works for the stage.
- David Mater: American retired professional baseball player who played for the Chicago White Sox.
- Eli Mater: American gospel music artist and songwriter.
- Fram Mater: Dutch professional cyclist who competed in the Tour de France seven times.
- John Mater: American businessman and entrepreneur who was the founder of Jorgensen Steel.
- Michael Mater: Canadian retired professional hockey player who played in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings.
- Roger Mater: English retired professional rugby league footballer who played for teams such as Hull F.C and Hunslet.