Everything about the name MATTEW

Meaning, origin, history

Matthew is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is derived from the Latin name Matthaeus, which was used by several important figures in the Bible, including one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles.

The name Matthew means "gift of God" or "given by God." This meaning comes from the Latin word 'donum' meaning gift and 'deus' meaning god. The name has been associated with this meaning for many centuries, as it was often given to children who were considered to be a gift from God.

The use of the name Matthew dates back to ancient times, with one of the earliest references being in the New Testament of the Bible. However, it wasn't until the Middle Ages that the name became popular in England. It is believed that the Normans introduced the name into England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Over time, Matthew has become one of the most popular names in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was the third most popular boy's name in the United States in 2020.

In addition to its popularity, the name Matthew has also been associated with several notable figures throughout history. Some famous Matthews include Matthew Perry, the Canadian-American actor known for his role on the television show Friends, and Matthew McConaughey, the American actor and filmmaker who won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2014.

Overall, Matthew is a name that has a long and storied history, with origins dating back to ancient times. Its meaning of "gift of God" has made it a popular choice for parents for many centuries, and its association with several notable figures has helped to further cement its place in history.

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Popularity of the name MATTEW since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Matthew has been consistently popular in the United States over the past century, with a total of 1,220 babies born with this name between 1925 and 2023.

In the early years recorded, there were relatively few births per year. From 1925 to 1968, the number of annual births ranged from a low of 5 in 1925 to a high of 17 in both 1972 and 1973.

However, starting in 1974, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Matthew. Between 1974 and 1987, the number of annual births ranged from 18 to 58, with a peak of 58 births in 1987.

This trend continued into the 1990s, with a high of 53 births in 1986. However, after 1990, there was a gradual decline in the popularity of the name Matthew, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded from 1991 onwards.

Despite this decline, Matthew has remained a popular choice for parents in recent years. Between 2000 and 2023, there were between 8 and 17 births per year, with peaks of 17 births in both 2002 and 2015.

Overall, the name Matthew has been consistently popular in the United States over the past century, with a total of 1,220 babies born with this name between 1925 and 2023. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Matthew remains a beloved and enduring choice for parents naming their children.