Mathéo is a name of French origin, derived from the Hebrew name Matthew, which means "gift of God." It is composed of two elements: the first element, math-, comes from the Greek word mathetes, meaning "disciple," while the second element, -eo, is a Latin suffix that signifies "of" or "pertaining to."
The name Matheo has been used in France for centuries, but it gained popularity during the Middle Ages when it was often given to children born around the time of the Feast of Saint Matthew. Today, Matheo remains a popular choice among French-speaking families and is sometimes used as an alternative to the more traditional Matthew.
Historically, several notable figures have borne the name Matheo or its variants. One such figure is Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the patron saint of tax collectors. He was also one of the four evangelists who wrote a Gospel in the New Testament.
Another famous bearer of this name is Matheo Galeas, a French mathematician and physicist who lived during the 17th century. Known for his work on optics and mechanics, he made significant contributions to the development of scientific thought in Europe at that time.
In literature, Matheo appears as a character in several works, including "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas, where he is a secondary character who plays a role in the plot's development. Additionally, the name has been used in various forms of media and popular culture, such as television shows and video games.
Overall, Matheo is a name with a rich history and meaningful origins that continues to be favored among parents looking for a unique and elegant choice for their children. Its distinctive sound and French heritage make it an appealing option for those seeking a name with a touch of sophistication and international appeal.
The name Matheo has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 1996 and 2023, there were a total of 1818 births registered with the name Matheo.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the number of births with the name Matheo fluctuated between 5 and 10 per year. However, starting in 2004, there was a noticeable rise in popularity, with the number of births increasing to 16 that year.
This trend continued into the next decade, with the number of births with the name Matheo reaching triple digits for the first time in 2015 (108 births). The following year, 2016, saw an even more significant increase, with 117 babies named Matheo.
Since then, the popularity of the name Matheo has continued to grow. In 2017 and 2018, there were 144 and 148 births respectively, before reaching a new peak in 2019 with 156 births. Although there was a slight decrease in 2020 (143 births) and 2021 (141 births), the popularity of the name Matheo has remained high.
In fact, 2022 saw another record-breaking year for the name Matheo, with 190 babies being given the name. And most recently, in 2023, there were a staggering 269 births registered with the name Matheo, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that the name Matheo has become increasingly popular in the United States over the past two decades, with a steady rise in popularity since the mid-2000s.