What does Mat mean and where does it come from?
Mat is often used as a diminutive form of Matthew, which comes from the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattityahu). The name has roots in the biblical tradition, being associated with the apostle Matthew. It has been commonly adopted in English-speaking countries and remains popular due to its straightfo
Cultural significance
Mat has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #450 in 1881 — currently #798 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mat?
Mat works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mat Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mat Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mat Claire
French influence · crisp
Mat Jane
Literary · strong
Mat Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mat right now?
Holding steady — currently #798 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #798 | 1,402 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #803 | 1,382 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #808 | 1,352 | ▲ up 9965 · +22433% births |
| 2010 | #10773 | 6 | ▼ down 4215 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #6558 | 5 | ▼ down 2236 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #4322 | 7 | ▼ down 1246 · -30% births |
| 1970 | #3076 | 10 | ▼ down 451 |
| 1965 | #2625 | 10 | ▼ down 196 · -17% births |
| 1960 | #2429 | 12 | ▲ up 918 · +100% births |
| 1950 | #3347 | 6 | ▼ down 196 |
| 1940 | #3151 | 6 | ▲ up 130 |
| 1935 | #3281 | 6 | ▲ up 749 · +20% births |
| 1930 | #4030 | 5 | ▼ down 1435 · -55% births |
| 1925 | #2595 | 11 | ▲ up 389 · +22% births |
| 1920 | #2984 | 9 | — |
The story of Mat
Mat has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 790 total births recorded, Mat remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #455 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #798 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mat in 1881:
Mat by decade
Mat peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 115 | |
| 1890s | 64 | |
| 1900s | 37 | |
| 1910s | 120 | |
| 1920s ★ | 129 | |
| 1930s | 60 | |
| 1940s | 31 | |
| 1950s | 55 | |
| 1960s | 110 | |
| 1970s | 58 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 6 | |
💎Mat has only 790 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mat?
What names sound and feel like Mat?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mat also consider these
How is Mat written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Mat?
Common questions about the name Mat
What does the name Mat mean?
Mat means "English" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Mat?
Mat is currently ranked #798 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Mat?
Mat originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Mat sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Mat flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mat ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
What personality traits are associated with the name Mat?
Studies on name perception suggest that Mat is often associated with strength and reliability. Of course, personality is shaped by experience, not a name — but the perception can influence first impressions throughout life.