Mathon
Major Settlement in the Parish of Mathon
Historical Forms
- Matma 1086 DB
- Mathine 1251 Ch 1270–1300 Wigorn 1275 SR
- Madine 1275 Heref
- Matheme 13th ADii 1332 1364 Wigorn
- Maham 1315 Ipm
- Mathon 1332 SR 1484 Pat 1535 ADiii 1542 LP
- Matham 1467 Pat
- Mathern 1577 Saxton 1787 Cary
Etymology
It is clear that the correct ME form for this name is Mathme or Matheme . The only parallel to this name that has been observed is in a 12th cent. Lincs charter (in the possession of Mr Langton of Langton) relating to Bulby, where certain lands abut super Matheme ac Harepol . The possibility presents itself that OE maþ (þu )m , 'treasure,' might have been applied to a piece of land. It is fruitless to speculate about the circumstances in which such a name might have arisen. Professor Ekwall suggests that OE maþþum may have originally meant 'gift,' like the Gothic cognate maíþms .