What does Mathew mean and where does it come from?
Mathew, though typically a male name, is occasionally used for females, often as a unique or modern twist. The name Mathew is derived from the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattityahu), meaning 'gift of God.' Its roots can be traced back to the New Testament in the Christian tradition, where Mathew was
Cultural significance
Mathew has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #4463 in 1985 — currently #844 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mathew?
Mathew works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mathew Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mathew Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mathew Mae
Sweet · timeless
Mathew Claire
French influence · crisp
Mathew Jane
Literary · strong
Mathew Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mathew right now?
Holding steady — currently #844 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #844 | 1,356 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #849 | 1,336 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #854 | 1,306 | ▲ up 14195 · +26020% births |
| 2000 | #15049 | 5 | ▼ down 7152 · -50% births |
| 1990 | #7897 | 10 | ▼ down 3434 · -41% births |
| 1985 | #4463 | 17 | ▲ up 3730 · +143% births |
| 1980 | #8193 | 7 | ▼ down 1001 |
| 1975 | #7192 | 7 | — |
The story of Mathew
Mathew is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. A total of 76,394 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7192 in 1975 to #844 in 2023. Mathew is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mathew in 1985:
Mathew by decade
Mathew peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 474 | |
| 1890s | 415 | |
| 1900s | 385 | |
| 1910s | 1,584 | |
| 1920s | 1,739 | |
| 1930s | 891 | |
| 1940s | 867 | |
| 1950s | 2,057 | |
| 1960s | 4,658 | |
| 1970s | 10,905 | |
| 1980s ★ | 18,725 | |
| 1990s | 16,840 | |
| 2000s | 10,614 | |
| 2010s | 5,893 | |
| 2020s | 347 | |
What are good nicknames for Mathew?
ENGLISH
MatMattMattieMatty
What names sound and feel like Mathew?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mathew also consider these
How is Mathew written in other languages?
Gender variants of Mathew
Common questions about the name Mathew
What does the name Mathew mean?
Mathew means "gift of God" — 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 Mathew?
Mathew is currently ranked #844 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Mathew?
Mathew 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.
Is Mathew a common or rare name?
Mathew is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Mathew more of a girl or boy name?
Mathew is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.