Explore the Family Name Matters
The meaning of Matters
1. English (Devon and Cornwall): variant of Matter, with post-medieval excrescent -s. 2. English (Devon and Cornwall): probably a metonymic occupational name for a mattress maker or seller, from Middle English materas ‘mattress’. 3. Dutch: patronymic from Matter 2.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Matters in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the popularity of the surname 'Matters' has seen a slight decline between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, 'Matters' was ranked 39,756th in terms of commonality, but by 2010 it had slipped to 43,885th, marking a decrease of around 10.39%. The total count of individuals with this surname also dipped from 520 in 2000 to 491 in 2010, reflecting a drop of about 5.58%. Consequently, the proportional representation per 100,000 people fell by 10.53% over the decade.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #39,756 | #43,885 | -10.39% |
| Count | 520 | 491 | -5.58% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.19 | 0.17 | -10.53% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Matters
Regarding ethnicity, the census data reveals changes in the ethnic identity associated with the surname 'Matters'. In 2000, the majority (93.46%) were white, but by 2010, this percentage dropped to 85.54%. There was also an increase in those identifying as two or more races, going from 1.15% in 2000 to 3.67% in 2010. Additionally, the Hispanic population using the 'Matters' name rose from 2.31% to 5.91% during this period. The Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian and Alaskan Native categories were not represented at all in 2000, but by 2010 they made up 1.43% and 1.63% respectively. The proportion of black individuals slightly decreased from 1.92% to 1.83% over these years. These shifts indicate a growing diversity in the ethnic identities associated with the surname 'Matters', according to the Decennial U.S. Census.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 93.46% | 85.54% | -8.47% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% | 5.91% | 155.84% |
| Two or More Races | 1.15% | 3.67% | 219.13% |
| Black | 1.92% | 1.83% | -4.69% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 1.63% | 0% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 1.43% | 0% |