Find out how popular the first name Matheson has been for the last 22 years (from 2000 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Matheson by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Matheson is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Matheson.

The history of the first name Matheson

Matheson is a masculine given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English words "mæth" meaning "honor" and "sunu" meaning "son." The name can be traced back to the early medieval period in Scotland and England, where it was likely used as a personal name or surname among Anglo-Saxon and Norman families.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Matheson dates back to the 12th century, when a man named Matheson of Lochalsh was mentioned in the records of the Scottish Highlands. This suggests that the name was in use in Scotland during the Middle Ages.

In the 13th century, a Scottish nobleman named Matheson of Argyll was recorded in historical documents, indicating that the name was associated with prominent families in Scotland during that time period.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Matheson. One of the most famous was Sir Perceval Matheson (1679-1748), a Scottish merchant and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of the city of Calcutta, India.

Another notable Matheson was James Matheson (1796-1878), a Scottish businessman and politician who founded the trading company Jardine Matheson & Co. in Hong Kong and served as a member of the British Parliament.

In the literary world, Richard Matheson (1926-2013) was an American author and screenwriter known for his horror and science fiction works, including the novels "I Am Legend" and "Hell House."

Other historical figures with the given name Matheson include William Matheson (1865-1940), a Canadian politician and judge, and David Matheson (1927-2015), a Scottish actor best known for his role in the film "Local Hero."

While the name Matheson has Scottish roots, it has been adopted and used in various English-speaking countries over time, with variations in spelling and pronunciation reflecting regional influences.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Matheson was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Matheson, please contact us.

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