All about the name

Matthieu

Male

« Matthew is a Hebrew name meaning "gift of Yahweh" or "gift from God," derived from Mattityahu, combining 'gift' (mattan) with the name of God (YHWH). »

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Meaning, origin, history

Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin that means "gift of Yahweh" or "gift from God". It is derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, which consists of two elements: mattan (gift) and YHWH (the name of God). The name Matthew has been popular throughout history and has been borne by many notable figures in various fields such as religion, politics, and arts. The earliest known use of the name Matthew can be traced back to the New Testament of the Bible. According to the story, Matthew was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ and was also known as Levi. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament, which is known as the Gospel according to Matthew. Throughout history, many notable figures have borne the name Matthew. Some examples include: * Saint Matthew, the apostle whose feast day is celebrated on September 21st. * Matthew Arnold (1822-1888), a British poet and cultural critic. * Matthew Perry (born 1969), a Canadian-American actor known for his role in the sitcom Friends. * Matthew McConaughey (born 1969), an American actor and filmmaker. In popular culture, the name Matthew has been used in various works of literature, film, and television. For example, it is the name of the protagonist in Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Men, as well as the main character in the play The History Boys by Alan Bennett. Today, Matthew remains a popular name for boys around the world. It has consistently ranked among the top 100 names for boys in many countries, including the United States and Canada. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its strong biblical associations, its classic sound, and its positive connotations of giftedness and divine favor.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Matthieu since 1880

Total births
1,033
Total since 1880
Peak year
1998
36 births
in 2023
15
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-6%
vs previous 5 years