The name Mattison is an English variation of the biblical name Matthew, which derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu. The Hebrew name Mattityahu can be traced back to the Old Testament and is composed of two elements: "Mattat," meaning "gift," and "Yahu," which is a shortened form of the Hebrew name for God, "Yahweh." Therefore, the name Mattison carries the meaning of "gift of God."

Mattison emerged as a given name in English-speaking countries during the Middle Ages, likely as a result of the influence of the biblical figure Matthew the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament, is attributed to this apostle, further solidifying the name's association with Christianity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mattison can be found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This historical record documents a man named Mattison living in Hampshire, England, during the 11th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Mattison. One of the earliest was Mattison Raymond (1158-1228), a French cleric and author who served as the Archbishop of Rouen in Normandy. Another notable figure was Mattison Fitzherbert (1337-1405), an English lawyer and judge who served as the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas during the reign of King Richard II.

In the realm of literature, Mattison Browne (1684-1737) was an English poet and playwright known for his satirical works, including the play "The Disbursed Officer." The name Mattison also found its way into the world of art, with Mattison Haydock (1785-1857), an English painter and engraver who specialized in portraiture and landscape paintings.

Lastly, Mattison Wilbur (1876-1952) was an American educator and author who served as the president of Stanford University from 1916 to 1943, leaving a lasting impact on the institution's growth and development during his tenure.

These historical figures, spanning different eras and fields, highlight the enduring presence of the name Mattison throughout the centuries, carrying the essence of its biblical origins as a "gift of God."