Matheson (surname) 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",
Poland (surname) the examples where the 'Mac' or 'Mc' has been dropped can be explained for several reasons. In English controlled areas of Ireland (especially around The Pale), it was declared that the Irish take on names in an English form and many were required to do so in order to do business with the powers that be, or to obtain a tenancy on English controlled land. Census takers were also allowed to use either form, with or without the Gaelic prefix. It also was not uncommon for the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix to simply be incorporated into the surname to result