Matthew Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationMATH-yoo / /ˈmæθ.juː/Hebrew; English
Meaning
Hebrew: Gift of God; English: Derived from the Hebrew name
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Matthew originates from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God." This name was later adapted into Greek as Matthaios and subsequently into Latin as Matthaeus. The transition into Old French as Mathieu occurred before the name was introduced into Middle English, where it became Matthew. This linguistic evolution reflects the name's deep roots in religious tradition, particularly within Judeo-Christian contexts.
Historically, Matthew is most notably associated with one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew, which is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament. This gospel, likely composed in the first century CE, emphasizes Jesus' role as the Messiah and contains the Sermon on the Mount, a significant teaching in Christian doctrine. The figure of Matthew has been venerated in Christian tradition, and his feast day is celebrated on September 21st. His role as an apostle and evangelist has contributed to the name's enduring significance in Christian communities.
Culturally, the name Matthew has been associated with themes of divine favor and grace, reflecting its etymological roots. It has been a popular name among various Christian saints, further solidifying its importance in religious contexts. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Matt or Matty, which have been used in different cultures. Overall, Matthew's historical and cultural resonance is deeply intertwined with its biblical origins and the legacy of its most famous bearer.
Trend Summary
Matthew has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1980s and 1990s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Mat
- Matty
International Variants
- Matteo (Italian)
- Matías (Spanish)
- Matthias (German)
- Máté (Hungarian)
Famous people named Matthew
Matthew McConaughey is an actor best known for Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, and The Lincoln Lawyer.
Matthew Perry is an actor best known for Friends, The Whole Nine Yards, and 17 Again.
Matthew Broderick is an actor best known for Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Producers, and WarGames.
Matthew Rhys is an actor best known for The Americans, Brothers & Sisters, and Perry Mason.
Matthew Fox is an actor best known for Lost, Party of Five, and Bone Tomahawk.
Matthew Goode is an actor best known for The Imitation Game, Watchmen, and Downton Abbey.
Matthew Lewis is an actor best known for the Harry Potter series, Me Before You, and The Rise.
Matthew Modine is an actor best known for Full Metal Jacket, Vision Quest, and Stranger Things.
Matthew Daddario is an actor best known for Shadowhunters, Delivery Man, and The Delivery Man.
Fictional characters named Matthew
Matthew Cuthbert is a fictional character from the novel Anne of Green Gables. He is the kind-hearted guardian of Anne Shirley who provides her with love and support throughout her childhood.
Matthew Murdock is a fictional character from the comic book series Daredevil. He is a blind lawyer by day and a vigilante by night, fighting crime in Hell's Kitchen, New York City.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Matthew was first seen in the United States in 1880. Matthew has ranked as high as #4 nationally, which occurred in 1983, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Matthew has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Matthew (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 1,030 | |
TX | 912 | |
FL | 646 | |
NY | 506 | |
PA | 239 | |
IL | 225 | |
NC | 197 | |
GA | 190 | |
OH | 184 | |
VA | 181 | |
MA | 148 | |
TN | 147 | |
MI | 134 | |
WA | 129 | |
IN | 128 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 113 |
1881 | 80 |
1882 | 109 |
1883 | 86 |
1884 | 117 |
1885 | 111 |
1886 | 112 |
1887 | 108 |
1888 | 114 |
1889 | 118 |
1890 | 86 |
1891 | 113 |
1892 | 132 |
1893 | 108 |
1894 | 124 |
1895 | 112 |
1896 | 123 |
1897 | 100 |
1898 | 133 |
1899 | 101 |
1900 | 130 |
1901 | 89 |
1902 | 104 |
1903 | 102 |
1904 | 97 |
1905 | 107 |
1906 | 136 |
1907 | 124 |
1908 | 152 |
1909 | 147 |
1910 | 197 |
1911 | 220 |
1912 | 380 |
1913 | 491 |
1914 | 613 |
1915 | 798 |
1916 | 825 |
1917 | 862 |
1918 | 963 |
1919 | 879 |
1920 | 967 |
1921 | 914 |
1922 | 982 |
1923 | 935 |
1924 | 850 |
1925 | 840 |
1926 | 777 |
1927 | 790 |
1928 | 784 |
1929 | 727 |
1930 | 657 |
1931 | 608 |
1932 | 702 |
1933 | 581 |
1934 | 610 |
1935 | 654 |
1936 | 608 |
1937 | 605 |
1938 | 608 |
1939 | 622 |
1940 | 664 |
1941 | 727 |
1942 | 842 |
1943 | 822 |
1944 | 765 |
1945 | 730 |
1946 | 892 |
1947 | 1,045 |
1948 | 1,054 |
1949 | 1,219 |
1950 | 1,299 |
1951 | 1,605 |
1952 | 2,032 |
1953 | 2,374 |
1954 | 2,688 |
1955 | 3,279 |
1956 | 4,365 |
1957 | 5,236 |
1958 | 6,378 |
1959 | 6,544 |
1960 | 6,924 |
1961 | 7,078 |
1962 | 7,282 |
1963 | 8,034 |
1964 | 8,983 |
1965 | 9,984 |
1966 | 10,805 |
1967 | 13,568 |
1968 | 15,824 |
1969 | 17,461 |
1970 | 20,188 |
1971 | 22,542 |
1972 | 22,931 |
1973 | 24,535 |
1974 | 27,197 |
1975 | 28,530 |
1976 | 29,952 |
1977 | 31,967 |
1978 | 34,285 |
1979 | 35,625 |
1980 | 37,839 |
1981 | 43,328 |
1982 | 46,050 |
1983 | 50,208 |
1984 | 49,769 |
1985 | 47,079 |
1986 | 46,924 |
1987 | 46,507 |
1988 | 45,875 |
1989 | 45,374 |
1990 | 44,822 |
1991 | 41,647 |
1992 | 37,733 |
1993 | 35,780 |
1994 | 33,654 |
1995 | 32,879 |
1996 | 32,077 |
1997 | 31,518 |
1998 | 31,145 |
1999 | 30,418 |
2000 | 28,580 |
2001 | 26,812 |
2002 | 25,154 |
2003 | 24,010 |
2004 | 22,882 |
2005 | 21,481 |
2006 | 20,339 |
2007 | 18,753 |
2008 | 17,602 |
2009 | 16,007 |
2010 | 14,145 |
2011 | 14,179 |
2012 | 13,991 |
2013 | 13,360 |
2014 | 12,940 |
2015 | 12,783 |
2016 | 12,665 |
2017 | 11,730 |
2018 | 10,004 |
2019 | 9,270 |
2020 | 8,137 |
2021 | 7,479 |
2022 | 7,070 |
2023 | 7,221 |
2024 | 7,078 |