Matheson (surname) as the Gaelic "mathghamhuin" means "bear". Another Gaelic surname Anglicised "Matheson" is "Mac Matha". This Gaelic surname is derived from the patronymic form of a Gaelic form of "Matthew" (for example, the modern Scottish Gaelic "Mata" and "Matha" are cognates of the English "Matthew"). 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"
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