Matthew
Gift of God — a boy name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Matthew in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Matthew
Matthew derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, composed of "mattan" (gift) and "Yah" (God), meaning "gift of God" or "gift of Yahweh." In the New Testament, Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel. Before following Jesus, he was a tax collector named Levi. The name has been consistently popular in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, reaching its peak in the 1980s and 1990s when it was the third most popular boy name in the United States. It remains a classic, trusted choice that carries both religious significance and timeless appeal.
Matthew Around the World
Matthew is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 46+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Matthew
Famous People Named Matthew
- Matthew McConaughey — American actor and Academy Award winner
- Matthew Broderick — American actor known for Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- Matthew Perry — Canadian-American actor known for Friends
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Sibling Name Ideas for Matthew
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Matthew mean?
Matthew is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Gift of God." Matthew derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, composed of "mattan" (gift) and "Yah" (God), meaning "gift of God" or "gift of Yahweh." In the New Testament, Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel.
How do you pronounce Matthew?
Matthew is pronounced MATH-yoo. Common variations include Mathew, Matthieu, Matteo.
Is Matthew a boy name?
Yes, Matthew is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Matt, Matty.
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