Mathis
A surname that usually began as a shortened form of Matthew/Matthias, especially in French-speaking and German-speaking areas.
The #625 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 5,695 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Mathis is generally understood as a short form of names like Matthieu, Matthias, or Mathias, all ultimately related to Matthew. The underlying Hebrew name means “gift of God.” In older French usage, forms like Mathis could stand for Matthieu, and German records also show Mathis as a familiar or shortened name-form.
History
The name appears in several European naming traditions, especially French and German. It was carried into English-speaking countries through immigration, and in the United States it is now most often encountered as an inherited family name rather than as a given-name nickname. Related forms such as Mathis, Mathias, Matthies, and Matisse reflect the same broad naming root.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In older French dialect writing, Mathis could function as a regional short form equivalent to Matthieu.
From the historical record
“Ann Aston : St. Geo. Han. Sq. L 205. 1786. — Charles Mathis and Mary Dean : ibid, p 385. I'Ondon, 3, 5 ; Boston (U.S-X o, i. Mattin, Mattinaon, Matti-”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames (alternate scan)