Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up free
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up freeMatthews Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Matthews Surname
The surname Matthews is derived from the forename Matthew, a name of Hebrew origin meaning "gift of God." It has been a prominent family name since the medieval period, signifying a lineage associated with religious and cultural significance. Over time, Matthews became a common surname among English-speaking populations, reflecting its deep historical roots.
Geographically, the Matthews surname has primarily spread across English-speaking countries. By the 21st century, over half of the Matthews bearers resided in the United States, with significant populations in England, Australia, and South Africa. In Wales, the surname is notably common, particularly in regions like Caerphilly County Borough and Torfaen, showcasing its strong cultural ties to the area. This widespread distribution illustrates how the Matthews family tree has branched out globally over the centuries.
YourRoots dataset aligns with existing records, confirming the prevalence of the Matthews surname in the United States and the United Kingdom since the medieval period. The data highlights migration patterns, with the Matthews name appearing in genealogical records across North America and the British Commonwealth from the 16th century onwards. This corroborates historical accounts of the surname's expansion through colonial and post-colonial movements.
For researchers delving into Matthews genealogy, YourRoots provides valuable insights into familial connections and historical migration trends. The data enriches Matthews records by offering a more comprehensive view of the surname’s evolution, aiding genealogists in piecing together the intricate tapestry of the Matthews family tree.
Find the Matthews Family Tree
Search more Matthews trees & genealogy records
Records
-
RMRobert Matthews1751–1836Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BRMRobert Matthews1751–1836Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
-
FMFlossie Matthews1895–1986Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BFMFlossie Matthews1895–1986Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
-
LMLaburn Matthews1912–2001Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BLMLaburn Matthews1912–2001Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
-
GMGrace Matthews1558–1632Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BGMGrace Matthews1558–1632Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
-
AMAnn Matthews1738–1835Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BAMAnn Matthews1738–1835Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
-
AMArthur Matthews1588–1667Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BAMArthur Matthews1588–1667Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
-
TMThomas Matthews1648–1748Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BTMThomas Matthews1648–1748Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
-
JMJohn Matthews1719–1772Public Tree PersonParents: John Matthews3 treesScore: BJMJohn Matthews1719–1772Public Tree PersonParents: John Matthews3 treesScore: B
-
SMSarah Cebelle Matthews1796–1840Public Tree Person4 treesScore: BSMSarah Cebelle Matthews1796–1840Public Tree Person4 treesScore: B
-
AMAnn M. Matthews1756–1828Public Tree Person5 treesScore: BAMAnn M. Matthews1756–1828Public Tree Person5 treesScore: B
-
MMMary Ann Matthews1602–1666Public Tree Person5 treesScore: BMMMary Ann Matthews1602–1666Public Tree Person5 treesScore: B
-
AMAnne Matthews1600–1675Public Tree Person5 treesScore: BAMAnne Matthews1600–1675Public Tree Person5 treesScore: B
-
NMNancy Quarles Matthews1820–1898Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BNMNancy Quarles Matthews1820–1898Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
-
SMSarah Sally Matthews1763–1818Public Tree Person5 treesScore: CSMSarah Sally Matthews1763–1818Public Tree Person5 treesScore: C
-
❤M❤️ Abraham Matthews1630–1679Individual Tree PersonParents: Arthur Matthews & Mary PerrySpouse: Elinor WalkerChildren: ElinorScore: A❤M❤️ Abraham Matthews1630–1679Individual Tree PersonParents: Arthur Matthews & Mary PerrySpouse: Elinor WalkerChildren: ElinorScore: A
-
AMAaron Matthews1808–1876Individual Tree PersonParents: Lyman Matthews & Mary OlcottSpouse: Sarah Hibbard, Amanda SmithChildren: Thaddeus, Willfred, Harriet, Sophia, Mary, Lyman, Thaddeus, Lyman, Sarah, Charles, PeterScore: AAMAaron Matthews1808–1876Individual Tree PersonParents: Lyman Matthews & Mary OlcottSpouse: Sarah Hibbard, Amanda SmithChildren: Thaddeus, Willfred, Harriet, Sophia, Mary, Lyman, Thaddeus, Lyman, Sarah, Charles, PeterScore: A
-
AMAbendego Matthews1800–1868Individual Tree PersonParents: JAMES * & Blanch UrenSpouse: Mary HarveyChildren: George, Abednego, James, Elizabeth, George, Ann, Jane, Thomas, Jane, SelenaScore: BAMAbendego Matthews1800–1868Individual Tree PersonParents: JAMES * & Blanch UrenSpouse: Mary HarveyChildren: George, Abednego, James, Elizabeth, George, Ann, Jane, Thomas, Jane, SelenaScore: B
-
AMAbednego MATTHEWS1823–1881Individual Tree PersonParents: Abednego MATTHEWS & Mary HarveyScore: BAMAbednego MATTHEWS1823–1881Individual Tree PersonParents: Abednego MATTHEWS & Mary HarveyScore: B
-
AMAaron Matthews1790–1836Individual Tree PersonParents: James ⚜📕 & Wilhelmina DeanScore: BAMAaron Matthews1790–1836Individual Tree PersonParents: James ⚜📕 & Wilhelmina DeanScore: B
-
AMAaron E Matthews1837–1864Individual Tree PersonParents: Daniel Matthews & Ruth AylsworthScore: BAMAaron E Matthews1837–1864Individual Tree PersonParents: Daniel Matthews & Ruth AylsworthScore: B
-
AMAaron Matthews1790–1836Individual Tree PersonParents: Absalom Sr & Jane GreeneScore: BAMAaron Matthews1790–1836Individual Tree PersonParents: Absalom Sr & Jane GreeneScore: B
-
AMAaron Matthews1721–1806Individual Tree PersonParents: Caleb Matthews & Elizabeth HotchkissScore: BAMAaron Matthews1721–1806Individual Tree PersonParents: Caleb Matthews & Elizabeth HotchkissScore: B
-
AMAbednego Matthews1823–1881Individual Tree PersonParents: Abendego Matthews & Mary HarveyScore: BAMAbednego Matthews1823–1881Individual Tree PersonParents: Abendego Matthews & Mary HarveyScore: B
-
AMAbednego Matthews1869–1933Individual Tree PersonParents: George Matthews & Eliza StevensScore: BAMAbednego Matthews1869–1933Individual Tree PersonParents: George Matthews & Eliza StevensScore: B
-
AMAaron Matthews1743–1778Individual Tree PersonParents: Daniel SR & Eunice MorseScore: BAMAaron Matthews1743–1778Individual Tree PersonParents: Daniel SR & Eunice MorseScore: B
-
AMAbel Matthews1709–1789Individual Tree PersonParents: Caleb Mathews & Elizabeth HotchkissScore: BAMAbel Matthews1709–1789Individual Tree PersonParents: Caleb Mathews & Elizabeth HotchkissScore: B
-
AMAaron Matthews1790–1836Individual Tree PersonParents: James Matthews & Winnie DeanScore: BAMAaron Matthews1790–1836Individual Tree PersonParents: James Matthews & Winnie DeanScore: B
-
AMAbigail Matthews1836–1906Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel Matthew & Olive MasonScore: BAMAbigail Matthews1836–1906Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel Matthew & Olive MasonScore: B
-
❤M❤️ Abraham Matthews1630–1690Individual Tree PersonParents: Arthur Matthews & Mary PerrySpouse: Elinor WALKERChildren: ELEANOREScore: C❤M❤️ Abraham Matthews1630–1690Individual Tree PersonParents: Arthur Matthews & Mary PerrySpouse: Elinor WALKERChildren: ELEANOREScore: C
-
AMAaron Matthews1743–1809Individual Tree PersonParents: Abner Mathews & Lois HotchkissScore: CAMAaron Matthews1743–1809Individual Tree PersonParents: Abner Mathews & Lois HotchkissScore: C
-
❤M❤️ Elinor Matthews1650–1720Individual Tree PersonParents: Abraham Matthews & Elinor WalkerSpouse: Samuel GreenwayChildren: SarahScore: C❤M❤️ Elinor Matthews1650–1720Individual Tree PersonParents: Abraham Matthews & Elinor WalkerSpouse: Samuel GreenwayChildren: SarahScore: C
-
AMAbednego Matthews1800–1868Individual Tree PersonParents: James Matthews & Blanch UrenScore: CAMAbednego Matthews1800–1868Individual Tree PersonParents: James Matthews & Blanch UrenScore: C
-
AMAbi Fanny Matthews1842–1912Individual Tree PersonParents: John Matthews & Georgeana CooperChildren: GeorginaScore: CAMAbi Fanny Matthews1842–1912Individual Tree PersonParents: John Matthews & Georgeana CooperChildren: GeorginaScore: C
Search more trees & records for
Matthews for free
SIGNUP
Tracing Your Matthews Family Lineage
Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Matthews surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.
As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.
Famous People with Matthews (and Their Family Tree)
Auston Matthews
Auston Taylour Matthews is a prominent American professional ice hockey center, serving as the captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL. Born on September 17, 1997, Matthews gained recognition after being selected first overall in the 2016 NHL entry draft. Known for his exceptional skills on the ice, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award as the league's most valuable player during the 2021-22 season, solidifying his status as one of the best players of his generation.
Auston Matthews was born in San Ramon, California, to Brian, an American, and Ema, who hails from Hermosillo, Mexico. His family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, when he was two months old, where he developed his passion for hockey.
Dave Matthews
David John Matthews, born January 9, 1967, is an acclaimed American musician known as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band (DMB). Formed in 1991 in Charlottesville, Virginia, DMB achieved significant success, topping the Billboard charts with seven consecutive albums. Matthews has also pursued solo projects, winning a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 2004. His distinctive sound blends acoustic guitar with saxophone, drums, and violin. Beyond music, Matthews has appeared in several acting roles, further showcasing his diverse talents.
David Matthews was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, to John and Val Matthews. The family moved frequently, settling in New York, where his father worked for IBM. Tragically, his father passed away in 1977. Matthews's older sister, Anne, was murdered in 1994, an event that deeply affected him and inspired some of his music. Following Anne's death, Matthews and his sister Jane took responsibility for her children, who moved to the United States.
Stanley Matthews
Sir Stanley Matthews (1915-2000) was an iconic English footballer renowned as "The Wizard of Dribble." He played as an outside right and is celebrated for his longevity, playing top-level football until age 50. Matthews earned the distinction of being knighted while still active in football and was the first recipient of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year awards. His career spanned 19 years with Stoke City and 14 years with Blackpool, where he famously led the team to victory in the 1953 FA Cup final. Matthews also won the inaugural Ballon d'Or in 1956 and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
Stanley Matthews was born in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, as the third of four sons to Jack Matthews, a local boxer known as the "Fighting Barber of Hanley," and Elizabeth Matthews. His early life was deeply influenced by his father's sporting background, although his mother supported his passion for football over boxing. Matthews grew up playing football in Hanley and attended Wellington Road School, where his talents were nurtured. He initially supported Port Vale, Stoke City's local rivals, before joining Stoke City as a teenager, marking the start of his illustrious football career.
Kidnapping of Shannon Matthews
Shannon Louise Matthews gained national attention in 2008 when she was reported missing at the age of nine in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England. Her disappearance sparked one of the largest police operations in West Yorkshire since the Yorkshire Ripper case. Shannon was found alive on 14 March 2008, hidden in a house in Batley Carr. The kidnapping was orchestrated by her mother, Karen Matthews, and Michael Donovan, who planned to claim a reward for her "discovery." Both were convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison for their roles in the kidnapping plot.
Cerys Matthews
Cerys Elizabeth Matthews is a prominent Welsh singer, songwriter, and broadcaster, recognized for her integral role in the "Cool Cymru" movement of the late 1990s. As a founding member of the Welsh rock band Catatonia, Matthews co-wrote and performed hits like "Mulder and Scully" and "Road Rage." Her career highlights include hosting music shows on BBC Radio 6 Music and Radio 2, receiving accolades such as the Prix Italia and Prix Europa 2022, and collaborating with well-known artists like Tom Jones. Beyond music, Matthews is also an accomplished author, with works like "Hook, Line and Singer" and an illustrated version of Dylan Thomas's "Under Milk Wood."
Born in Cardiff as the second of four siblings, Cerys Matthews grew up in a family that moved to Swansea when she was seven. She attended various schools, including Bryn Y Mor Welsh language school and Bryanston School in Dorset, England, developing an early love for music by singing Welsh folk songs and playing the guitar. Her upbringing in Wales profoundly influenced her musical style and career trajectory.
Matthews Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Matthews" originates from the forename Matthew. It is most commonly found in the United States, followed by England, Australia, and several other countries. The name has been borne by numerous notable individuals across various fields, including the arts, politics, sciences, sports, and more.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Matthews
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Matthews family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Matthews surname to learn more.
VIEW MOREAbout YourRoots
Explore your family tree geographically
Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.
Powerful tools like "Trace Back To Me" instantly map your family's migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.
Discover ancestors beyond "end-of-line" automatically
Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans "end-of-line" ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.
Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you're away.
Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests
Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.
View your matches' maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you'll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.
Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others
Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.
- Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
- Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
- Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up freeAlready have an account? Log in
Coming Soon
We're actively working on many new features for YourRoots. Features marked v2 are ones we're planning to launch soon.
Have a particular feature request? Let us know below!