Matthew: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Matthew is a male name of Hebrew origin, meaning "gift of God". It has been a cornerstone of English-speaking Christian tradition since medieval times, carried by one of the four Gospel writers.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | Gift of God |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | MATH-yoo |
Etymology of Matthew
Matthew derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu (מַתִּתְיָהוּ), composed of two elements: mattat (gift) and Yah (an abbreviated form of Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God). The name traditionally translates as "gift of God" or "gift of Yahweh".
The Hebrew original passed through Greek as Matthaios (Ματθαῖος) in the New Testament, then into Latin as Matthaeus, before arriving in English as Matthew. The name gained Christian significance through Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and the attributed author of the first Gospel in the New Testament.
In biblical accounts, Matthew was a tax collector who became a follower of Jesus. His Gospel, which opens the New Testament, solidified the name's place in Christian tradition across languages and centuries.
History of Matthew
Origins and Early Use
Matthew first appears in ancient Hebrew texts as Mattityahu, borne by several figures in the Hebrew Bible. However, its prominence in Christian culture stems almost entirely from the apostle Matthew, whose Gospel became foundational to Christian scripture. The name spread throughout Christian Europe during the medieval period, appearing in Latin and vernacular forms.
Rise to Popularity
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st-4th century | Gospel of Matthew canonized | Established name in Christian liturgy and baptismal tradition |
| Medieval period | Norman Conquest of England (1066) | Introduced French form "Mathieu"; English "Matthew" became standard |
| 1970s-1990s | Baby boom echo + biblical revival | Matthew surged to top 10 in US, peaking at #2 in 1995 |
By the late 20th century, Matthew became one of the most popular names in English-speaking countries. In the United States, it reached its zenith in the 1980s and 1990s, consistently ranking in the top 5. The name's combination of biblical gravitas and phonetic accessibility made it a cross-denominational favorite.
Modern Usage
Matthew has declined from its 1990s peak but remains a solid mainstream choice, ranking #33 in the US as of 2024. It is perceived as classic rather than trendy, appealing to parents who want a recognizable, traditional name without excessive popularity.
Key insight: This name rose because of a convergence of biblical reverence, phonetic simplicity, and cultural familiarity, and has stabilized as a generational classic rather than a passing trend.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Matthew when they want to convey reliability, tradition, and spiritual connection, especially in contexts involving faith communities, family continuity, and conservative naming preferences.
Variants of Matthew
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Matthew, Matt | Matt is the dominant nickname |
| French | Mathieu, Matthieu | Pronounced "ma-TYUH" |
| Spanish | Mateo | Rising in popularity in US Hispanic communities |
| German | Matthias, Matthäus | Matthias is more common in modern use |
| Italian | Matteo, Mattia | Matteo is currently very popular in Italy |
| Russian | Matvey (Матвей) | Traditional Slavic form |
| Greek | Matthaios (Ματθαῖος) | Original New Testament form |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Common nicknames include Matt (by far the most prevalent), Matty, and occasionally Thew.
Similar Names
- Matthias - German variant, shares the same Hebrew root
- Mateo - Spanish form, increasingly popular in US
- Nathan - Another Hebrew "gift" name ("gift of God" via different root)
Matthew Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
Popularity Timeline
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #162 | 130 |
| 1920s | #152 | 967 |
| 1940s | #198 | 664 |
| 1960s | #61 | 6,924 |
| 1980s | #6 | 37,839 |
| 2000s | #3 | 28,580 |
| 2020s | #30 | 8,137 |
| 2024s | #33 | 7,078 |
Peak: 1995, ranked #2 (32,879 births) Current (2024): #33 (7,078 births)
Trend analysis: Matthew's explosive rise from the 1960s through the 1990s reflects the broader trend of biblical names during the baby boom echo, combined with the name's approachable sound. Its current decline mirrors the shift toward less common or more modern names, though it retains strong residual popularity.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Matthew as a Username
Availability
"matthew" as a username is almost universally taken on major platforms due to decades of high popularity. Expect to need variations on any service with over 10 million users.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | matthew | Nearly always unavailable |
| With numbers | matthew99, matt2024 | Gaming, forums |
| Abbreviated | matt, matty | Social media (often taken as well) |
| Stylized | xmatthew, matthewx | Creative platforms, preserves full name |
| Surname-style | matthewj, matthewsmith | Professional networks |
Digital Impression
Matthew as an ID tends to project:
- Trustworthiness - because it's a familiar, established name with positive cultural associations
- Conventional professionalism - because it avoids novelty or whimsy
- Approachability - because of its phonetic simplicity and widespread recognition
Best for: Professional networks (LinkedIn), email addresses, contexts where credibility and familiarity matter.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to stand out in creative/gaming communities.
Is Matthew good for a username?
Matthew works well as a username if you value clarity, professionalism, and traditional appeal. However, due to its high historical popularity, you will almost certainly need variations like matthew_j, matt2024, or matthewx to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Matthew mean?
Matthew means "gift of God" from the Hebrew Mattityahu, combining mattat (gift) and Yah (Yahweh).
Is Matthew popular?
According to SSA data, Matthew ranks #33 in the US (2024). It is declining from its 1990s peak but remains a mainstream choice.
What are nicknames for Matthew?
Common nicknames: Matt (most common), Matty, Thew (rare).
Is Matthew a boy's or girl's name?
Matthew is traditionally and almost exclusively a male name. It has no significant history of female use.
How do you pronounce Matthew?
Matthew is pronounced MATH-yoo in English. Variants like Mathieu (French) and Mateo (Spanish) have different pronunciations.
Is Matthew good for a username?
Matthew works well as a username if you value professionalism and tradition, though availability will require variation due to the name's popularity.
Related Names
- Matthias - German variant, same Hebrew origin
- Mateo - Spanish form, rising in popularity
- Nathan - Shares Hebrew "gift" meaning, shorter and more available for digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026