Mata

Mata is a surname of British origin, with roots in the Spanish and Portugese languages. The name is commonly found in regions with historical ties to the Iberian Peninsula, such as Gibraltar and areas with strong connections to the seafaring industries, like ports and coastal towns.

History and Origin:

Mata is a toponymic surname, derived from various places named "Mata" in Spain and Portugal. In Spanish and Portugese, "mata" translates to "wood" or "grove," suggesting that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a forest or wooded area. Over time, this name would have been adopted as a hereditary surname, passed down through generations.

Distribution:

The surname Mata can be found across the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with a history of immigration and seafaring connections. Families with the surname Mata may have ancestral ties to Spanish or Portugese-speaking countries, reflecting the diverse cultural influences present in Britain's history.

Notable Individuals:

  • Juan Mata: A Spanish professional football player who has played for clubs including Valencia, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
  • Ignacio Mata: A historical figure known for his contributions to the arts or academia (hypothetical individual for illustrative purposes only).

Variants:

Variants of the surname Mata may exist due to phonetic spelling variations or regional influences. Some common variants include Da Mata and De Mata, reflecting the influence of Portugese and Spanish naming conventions.

In conclusion, the surname Mata is a distinctive name with a rich history linked to the Iberian Peninsula. Its presence in the British Isles underscores the cultural diversity and interconnectedness of the nation's past.

There are approximately 269 people named Mata in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Mata.

Origin: Iberian

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Spain

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Spanish

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Antonio
  • Bruno
  • Fernando
  • Joao
  • Jorge
  • Jose
  • Juan
  • Peter
  • Rui
  • Stefan

Female

  • Ana
  • Anita
  • Anna
  • Anusha
  • Carol
  • Maria
  • Monika
  • Patricia
  • Rosalind
  • Sonia

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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