Mattey

The surname Mattey has its origins in England, and can be traced back to the 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English name Mathie, which was a variant of the Biblical name Matthew. The name itself is thought to mean "gift of God."

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire from 1166, where a certain Robert Mattey is mentioned. The name also appears in the Curia Regis Rolls of Bedfordshire from 1212, where a John Mattey is listed.

During the Middle Ages, the name Mattey was primarily concentrated in the counties of Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire. The spelling variations of the name during this time included Matty, Mattie, and Matti.

In the 14th century, the name Mattey appeared in the Subsidy Rolls of Northamptonshire, where a William Mattey is recorded as a taxpayer in the village of Rothwell. This suggests that the family had established itself as a prominent presence in the region.

One notable figure in the history of the Mattey surname was Sir John Mattey, who lived in the late 15th century. He was a member of the gentry and served as a knight in the court of King Henry VII. Sir John Mattey owned lands in Lincolnshire and played a role in the Wars of the Roses.

Another individual of note was Thomas Mattey, born in 1547 in Bedfordshire. He was a wealthy landowner and served as a Justice of the Peace in his local community. His descendants continued to hold significant estates in the area for several generations.

In the 17th century, the name Mattey was also found in various parish records throughout England. One such record from 1624 in Northamptonshire mentions the marriage of a Richard Mattey to Elizabeth Browne.

A notable figure from the 18th century was William Mattey, born in 1712 in Lincolnshire. He was a successful merchant and philanthropist, known for his charitable contributions to the local community.

The name Mattey also has connections to certain place names in England. For example, the village of Mattey Priory in Bedfordshire is believed to have derived its name from the Mattey family, who may have been early landowners or benefactors in the area.

Throughout its history, the surname Mattey has been associated with various occupations and social classes, from landowners and gentry to merchants and tradesmen. While not a widespread name, it has left its mark in various regions of England over the centuries.