Matthew
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Matthew
Matthew, which has 7 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning of Matthew
Gift of god
The name Matthew is derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, which means “gift of the Lord”. It is a common name in many countries and is associated with the apostle Matthew in the Bible.
| Meaning | Gift of god |
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity (US) | #33 in 2024 Steady |
| Rarity (US) | Popular (Top 50) |
| Era | 90s name |
Background & History of The Name Matthew
The name Matthew is derived from the Hebrew name "Matityahu" which means "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God". It is a name of great significance and popularity in many cultures and religions. In Christianity, Matthew is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is traditionally believed to have written the first Gospel in the New Testament.
Matthew has been a popular name throughout history, with its usage dating back to the Middle Ages. It gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the Protestant Reformation and has remained a consistently favored name for boys ever since. In recent years, Matthew has ranked among the top names for boys in various countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
People with the name Matthew are often described as intelligent, analytical, and methodical individuals. They have a strong sense of justice and fairness, making them natural leaders. Matthews tend to be ambitious, hardworking, and dedicated in their pursuits. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and are often relied upon for their logical thinking.
Due to its biblical origins and meaning, Matthew holds great significance in religious communities. Many churches bear the name Matthew and celebrate the saint's feast day on September 21st. People with the name Matthew often feel a deep connection with their faith and may choose to pass the name onto their children as a way to honor their religious beliefs.
In popular culture, Matthew has been featured in various movies, books, and songs. It is also a popular choice for fictional characters, further cementing its cultural impact. From historical figures to contemporary personalities, there have been numerous well-known individuals named Matthew who have made significant contributions in various fields such as arts, science, sports, and entertainment.
Popularity Over Time
US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Matthew over the years.
Check Initials
See what initials Matthew would create with your last name.
Nicknames
Common nicknames and short forms for Matthew.
Save This Name
Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.
Create Free Account