Matt Boy

Hebrew; Latin

Meaning

Hebrew: Gift of God; Latin: Warlike

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Matt is derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning "gift of God." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, beginning with the Hebrew form, which was transliterated into Greek as Matthaios. The name was then adopted into Latin as Mattheus, before making its way into Old French as Mathieu, and finally into Middle English as Matthewe. The shortened form, Matt, emerged as a diminutive in English-speaking contexts, particularly from the 20th century onward, although its roots trace back to the original Hebrew meaning.

Historically, the name Matt is closely associated with Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. This Gospel, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament, was likely composed in the first century CE and has had a significant impact on Christian theology and liturgy. The name Matthew, and by extension its diminutive Matt, gained prominence in Christian contexts due to the saint's importance in early Christianity and the subsequent translations of the Bible, including the influential King James Version published in 1611.

Culturally, the name Matt has been embraced in various contexts, often symbolizing qualities of generosity and divine favor, reflective of its original meaning. The name has been borne by numerous notable figures throughout history, including various saints and scholars, which has contributed to its enduring legacy. The diminutive Matt is often used informally, reflecting a sense of familiarity and warmth. Overall, the name Matt encapsulates a rich historical and cultural significance rooted in its biblical origins.

Trend Summary

Matt has seen consistent popularity in the United States, particularly during the late 20th century.

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