What does Matheus mean and where does it come from?
Matheus is a Portuguese variant of the name Matthew, derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu (מתתיהו), which means 'gift of God'. The name has been popular in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Brazil and Portugal. Notable people include Matheus Oliveira, a Brazilian soccer player. Its u
Cultural significance
Matheus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Portugal-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #1525 in 2007 — currently #2201 in the US.
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Related Reading
Portugal-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Matheus?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Matheus?
Matheus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Matheus Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Matheus John
One syllable · timeless choice
Matheus Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Matheus Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Matheus Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Matheus Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Matheus right now?
Rising fast — up 210 spots — currently #2201 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2201 | 65 | ▲ up 210 · +12% births |
| 2024 | #2411 | 58 | ▼ down 57 · -2% births |
| 2023 | #2354 | 59 | ▼ down 425 · -27% births |
| 2022 | #1929 | 81 | ▲ up 679 · +62% births |
| 2021 | #2608 | 50 | ▲ up 15 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #2623 | 48 | ▲ up 573 · +33% births |
| 2015 | #3196 | 36 | ▼ down 1245 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #1951 | 72 | ▲ up 473 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #2424 | 48 | ▼ down 344 · -2% births |
| 2000 | #2080 | 49 | ▲ up 1334 · +145% births |
| 1995 | #3414 | 20 | ▲ up 5747 · +300% births |
| 1990 | #9161 | 5 | — |
The story of Matheus
Matheus is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 1,375 total births recorded, Matheus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9161 in 1990 to #2354 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Matheus in 2007:
Matheus by decade
Matheus peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 124 | |
| 2000s ★ | 660 | |
| 2010s | 538 | |
| 2020s | 171 | |
💎With 1,375 total births, Matheus is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Matheus?
ENGLISH
MatMattMattieMatty
What names sound and feel like Matheus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matheus also consider these
How is Matheus written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Matheus?
Common questions about the name Matheus
What does the name Matheus mean?
Matheus means "gift of God" — a name rooted in Portugal 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 Matheus?
Matheus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Matheus?
Matheus originates from Portugal tradition. Portugal names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Matheus?
Matheus is a two-syllable name pronounced MATH-oyz. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Matheus a common or rare name?
Matheus is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.