All about the name

Mathew

Female

« Matthew, of English origin derived from Latin Matthias, signifies 'gift of God' in Hebrew. »

#18990 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Matthew is a name of English origin that has been widely used throughout history. It is derived from the Latin name Matthias, which was given to the apostle chosen by the early Christian church to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal and suicide. The name Matthew means "gift of God" in Hebrew, reflecting the belief that the apostle was chosen by divine intervention. The name has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing it, such as Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ; Matthew Bouwdion, a 15th-century French composer; and Matthew Arnold, a Victorian-era English poet. In literature, Matthew is also the name of the main character in Louisa May Alcott's novel "Little Men," and has been used in numerous other works of fiction. The name has been popular in many different cultures and countries throughout history, and its meaning as a "gift from God" has made it particularly appealing to religious families. Overall, Matthew is a strong and enduring name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its association with the apostle Saint Matthew has given it a sense of reverence and spirituality that continues to appeal to many parents today. Despite its religious roots, however, Matthew is also a popular secular name that can be used by families of any background or belief system.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Mathew since 1880

Total births
207
Total since 1880
Peak year
1985
17 births
in 2000
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years