Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Ma

The surname Mattsson has its historical roots in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, where it is derived from the given name "Mattias" or "Matthias," which means "gift of God" in Hebrew. The suffix "-sson" indicates "son of," making Mattsson essentially mean "son of Mattias." This patronymic naming convention was common in Sweden and other Nordic countries, where surnames often reflected the father's first name.

The surname Maynard has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French personal name "Mainard," which itself comes from the Germanic elements "magin," meaning strength, and "hard," meaning brave or hardy. The name first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French names were introduced into the English lexicon.

The surname Mackenzie has its roots in Scotland, deriving from the Gaelic name "MacCoinnich," which translates to "son of Coinneach," with Coinneach meaning "handsome" or "comely." The Mackenzie clan is believed to have originated in the 13th century, primarily in the Highlands of Scotland, particularly around the area of Ross-shire. Historically, the Mackenzies were a powerful clan, known for their role as landowners and their involvement in the feudal system.

The surname Madison has its roots in the English language, deriving from the medieval given name "Maddison," which itself is a diminutive form of "Matthew." The name Matthew comes from the Hebrew name "Matityahu," meaning "gift of God." The surname Madison first appeared in England during the 13th century, and it was often associated with individuals who held occupations related to the church or education, reflecting the biblical origins of the name. Over time, the surname evolved, with variations appearing in spelling and pronunciation, influenced by regional dialects and the migration of families.

The surname Maloney has its roots in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "Ó Maolmhuire," which translates to "descendant of Maolmhuire." The name Maolmhuire itself means "devotee of Mary," indicating a historical connection to religious devotion. The Maloney surname first appeared in the 12th century, primarily in County Clare and surrounding regions.

The surname Mayo has its historical roots primarily in England and Ireland, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to derive from the Old French word "maheu," meaning "a little boy" or "young man," which was brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066.

The surname Mansfield has its origins in England, deriving from the Old English elements "mæn" meaning "man" and "feld" meaning "field" or "open land." The name is believed to have first appeared in the medieval period, particularly in the 12th century, and is associated with the town of Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. Historically, individuals bearing this surname were often linked to agricultural roles, as the name suggests a connection to the land.

The surname Mary has deep historical roots, primarily derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, which means "beloved" or "wished for child." The name gained prominence in the Christian tradition due to its association with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, leading to its widespread use across Europe, particularly in Christian communities. The surname Mary began to appear in various forms in the Middle Ages, often as a patronymic or matronymic surname, indicating lineage or descent.

The surname Mackay has its historical roots in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, where it is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Aoidh," meaning "son of Aodh." Aodh itself is an ancient Gaelic name meaning "fire," which reflects the cultural significance of fire in Celtic traditions. The Mackays were originally a clan based in the region of Sutherland, and their history can be traced back to the 13th century.

The surname Mathieu has its roots in the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning "gift of God." It emerged in medieval France, where it was often used as a given name before evolving into a surname. The name became popular in the 12th century, particularly in regions like Normandy and Picardy.

The surname Masson has its historical roots in France, deriving from the Old French word "masson," which means "mason" or "stone worker." This occupational surname first appeared in the medieval period, particularly during the 12th century, when skilled trades were becoming increasingly important in the burgeoning towns of Europe. The name likely referred to individuals who were involved in the construction industry, particularly in stone masonry, which was a vital trade as cathedrals and castles were built across the continent.

The surname Maher has its historical roots in Ireland, particularly associated with the Gaelic name "O'Mathghamhna," which translates to "descendant of Mathghamhain." The name Mathghamhain itself is derived from the elements "math," meaning "good," and "gamhan," meaning "young animal" or "calf," suggesting a connection to agriculture and pastoral life. The Mahers were originally part of the Gaelic nobility in the province of Munster, and their lineage can be traced back to the ancient kings of the region.

The surname Marchand has its roots in the Old French word "marchand," which means "merchant." Historically, it first appeared in France during the medieval period, particularly in the 12th century, when trade began to flourish in Europe. The name was often associated with individuals engaged in commerce, reflecting the importance of trade in the economic and social structures of the time.

The surname Mays has its historical roots primarily in England, where it is believed to have originated as a variant of the surname "May," which itself is derived from the Old French "Mai," meaning "May" or "the month of May." This connection suggests a link to the spring season, symbolizing renewal and fertility, which may have been significant to the early bearers of the name. The surname Mays likely developed during the Middle Ages, a period marked by the establishment of hereditary surnames.

The surname Marx has its historical roots in the Germanic and Jewish communities, with its earliest appearances traced back to the medieval period in Europe. The name is derived from the given name "Markus," which is of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "of Mars," the Roman god of war.

The surname Maguire has its roots in Ireland, specifically deriving from the Gaelic name "Mag Uidhir," which translates to "son of Uidhir." The name Uidhir itself is believed to mean "the dark one" or "the swarthy one," suggesting a physical characteristic of the original bearers. The Maguire family was historically prominent in County Fermanagh, where they were chiefs of the Kingdom of Fermanagh and played significant roles in the region's governance and military affairs during the medieval period.

The surname Mathis has its historical roots primarily in the Hebrew name "Matityahu," meaning "gift of God." It is believed to have emerged in various forms across Europe, particularly in France and Germany, during the medieval period. The name Mathis likely developed as a patronymic surname, indicating lineage or descent from an ancestor named Mathis or a variant thereof.

The surname Maddox has its historical roots in Wales, deriving from the Welsh personal name "Madoc," which means "fortunate" or "benefactor." The name first appeared in the medieval period, with records indicating its use as a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Madoc." Over time, the surname evolved, with variations such as "Maddocks" and "Maddux" emerging, reflecting regional dialects and linguistic shifts. The Maddox surname is often associated with agricultural and pastoral occupations, as many early bearers were likely involved in farming or land management, which was a common social role in rural Welsh communities. Culturally, the surname Maddox has seen variations across different regions, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, where it was brought by Welsh immigrants.

The surname March has its historical roots in the Old French word "march," which means "border" or "boundary," and is derived from the Latin "margo." It first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, where it was used to denote individuals who lived near a border or a boundary, particularly in regions that were contested or had significant geographical features. Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, including those of landowners or individuals involved in the administration of border territories.

The surname Marie has deep historical roots, primarily derived from the given name "Mary," which has significant religious and cultural connotations. The name itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved" or "wished for child," and has been widely used across various cultures, particularly in Christian contexts due to its association with the Virgin Mary.