The nameMatthew
Matthew is the English form of the name of the apostle and evangelist. It was a top ten boys' name in the United States for more than thirty years.
- Boy's name
- Hebrew
- Feast day
Meaning
Matthew comes from the Hebrew Mattityahu, "gift of God", through the Greek Matthaios.
Origin
Hebrew. Saint Matthew, a tax collector called by Jesus, is traditionally the author of the first Gospel.
History
In the United States Matthew was in the top ten from 1972 to 2008 and reached second place in 1995 and 1996. In England and Wales it was sixth from 1996 to 1999.
Did you know?
- Matthew Perry played Chandler Bing for all ten seasons of Friends.
- Matthew McConaughey won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2014 for Dallas Buyers Club.
Famous people named Matthew
- Matthew Perry, actor
- Matthew McConaughey, actor
- Matthew Arnold, poet
- Matthew Broderick, actor
Popularity of the name Matthew
Matthew in the United States
Matthew was most popular in the United States in the 1980s, with 461,520 births over the decade, 28% of all recorded babies named Matthew. Its rise began around 1957, and it peaked in 1983. Half of all babies named Matthew in the United States were born before 1988, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 7,405 births a year on average, against 11,303 in the five years before.
Matthew in the United Kingdom
Matthew was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 45,151 births over the decade, 51% of all recorded babies named Matthew. Half of all babies named Matthew in the United Kingdom were born before 2003. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 542 births a year on average, against 1,055 in the five years before.
Matthew in Ireland
Matthew in France
Matthew in Belgium
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Matthew
Names from the same generation as Matthew, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Matthew? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Matthew with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Matthew side by side with the name of your choice.
Matthew in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Matthew mean?
Matthew comes from the Hebrew Mattityahu, "gift of God", through the Greek Matthaios.
What is the origin of the name Matthew?
Hebrew. Saint Matthew, a tax collector called by Jesus, is traditionally the author of the first Gospel.
Is Matthew a girl's or a boy's name?
Matthew is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Matthew?
In 2024, Matthew was the 33rd most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 7,078 births.
What are the variants of the name Matthew?
Variants and related names of Matthew include Maddison, Mahé, Maho, Mateo and Matt.
What are good sibling names for Matthew?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Anna, Elizabeth, Maria and Mary for a sister, Michael, Joseph, Jacob and John for a brother.
Who are famous people named Matthew?
Matthew Perry, actor; Matthew McConaughey, actor; Matthew Arnold, poet; Matthew Broderick, actor.