Mattingly Surname Origin and Meaning
The Mattingly surname is an English habitational name derived from places named Mattingley, meaning the clearing or meadow of a person called Matta or Matta's people. The name entered records in medieval England and later spread to the United States and other English-speaking countries through migration. Surname origin databases classify Mattingly as a locative occupational surname tied to land clearings.
Historical Roots
Early records show Mattingley variants in Hampshire and Surrey, England, with the modern spelling Mattingly common by the 16th century. Immigrants carried the name to colonial America, where it became concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern states.
Mattingly Surname Frequency and Rankings
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau surname data, Mattingly ranks among the top 5,000 surnames in the United States, with the highest frequency in states such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The name is less common in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries, where it appears at lower frequency.
Global Distribution
Mattingly remains a relatively rare surname globally, with notable clusters in the United States and smaller populations in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Immigration records and genealogy platforms show steady presence since the 18th century.
Notable People and Companies Named Mattingly
Among the most recognized bearers of the Mattingly surname is astronaut Thomas Mattingly, who flew on Apollo 16 and later contributed to NASA programs. The surname also appears in business and finance contexts, where individuals with the name have held executive and leadership roles in publicly traded firms.
Business and Finance Connections
Mattingly family members and executives have been associated with companies in aerospace, energy, and financial services, with filings and reports available through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. SEC EDGAR filings list individuals with the Mattingly surname in corporate officer and director roles across multiple industries.
Aerospace and Defense Links
Thomas Mattingly's career at NASA and later work in aerospace contractors connects the surname to major defense and space programs, including those linked to SpaceX and related aerospace firms where former NASA personnel often consult or hold technical roles.
Corporate Leadership
Mattingly-named executives appear in corporate governance documents for companies in energy, financial services, and technology, with roles ranging from board directors to senior management positions in firms tracked by financial data providers.
Public Records and Genealogy
Genealogy platforms and public records show the Mattingly surname concentrated in specific U.S. regions, with family lines tracing back to colonial-era immigrants. Surname research tools provide frequency maps and historical migration patterns for the name.