SURNAMEEntry 3,353
Mat
/mat/
“matte; checkmate”1
Disputed origin Mat: root entries for mat + mat · How do we know?
Published: Last updated:
- Letters / syllables
- 3 / 1
- Formation
- Plain noun
- Vowel harmony
- back
- Initial
- M
Cite and share
How do you pronounce Mat?
Mat
What does the surname Mat mean?
In Turkish mat is two separate words: the adjective “matte, dull, without shine” and the chess term for the defeat that ends the game, as in şah mat “checkmate”. Which one the surname reflects is not known.1
The origin is disputed. The views put forward are:
- the adjective mat “dull, matte” (from Western languages)
- the chess term mat “checkmate” (Persian māt)
Mat is also an ordinary word in everyday Turkish.
How was the name Mat formed?
Mat is the word mat (“mat: matte, dull”), taken unchanged as a surname.
How is Mat written and pronounced abroad?
The name has no Turkish-specific letters and is written Mat abroad as well.
Which surnames have a meaning similar to Mat?
Bağrıaçık, Boydak and Cansız share gloss keywords with Mat within the same primary category.
Which guides add context to Mat?
Read the root, formation and register information for Mat alongside this guide: How to research a Turkish surname and family tree.
Where do these facts come from?
- 1 Wikimedia Vikisözlük: mat
- 2 Wikimedia Vikisözlük: Mat
- 3 T.C. Resmî Gazete / Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (mevzuat.gov.tr) Soyadı Kanunu (Kanun No. 2525)
Common questions about Mat
- Q1
What does the surname Mat mean?
- In Turkish mat is two separate words: the adjective “matte, dull, without shine” and the chess term for the defeat that ends the game, as in şah mat “checkmate”. Which one the surname reflects is not known.
- Q2
How do you pronounce Mat?
- Mat, 1 syllable; IPA: /mat/.