What does Matt mean and where does it come from?
The name Matt is often a diminutive of Matthew, which has Hebrew origins, spelled as מַתִּתְיָהוּ in Hebrew. While traditionally a male name, it has gained feminine usage in modern contexts, particularly in the United States. This name may not be widely recognized as a standalone female name but ref
Cultural significance
Matt has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from matthew; gift of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #8333 in 1972 — currently #1305 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Matt?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Matt?
Matt works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Matt Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Matt Rose
Floral · soft ending
Matt Claire
French influence · crisp
Matt Jane
Literary · strong
Matt Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Matt right now?
Holding steady — currently #1305 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1305 | 895 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1310 | 875 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1315 | 845 | — |
The story of Matt
Matt is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. A total of 23,710 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1315 in 2021 to #1305 in 2023. Matt is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Matt in 1972:
Matt by decade
Matt peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 368 | |
| 1890s | 257 | |
| 1900s | 252 | |
| 1910s | 838 | |
| 1920s | 848 | |
| 1930s | 587 | |
| 1940s | 697 | |
| 1950s | 3,517 | |
| 1960s ★ | 8,231 | |
| 1970s | 4,580 | |
| 1980s | 1,746 | |
| 1990s | 670 | |
| 2000s | 557 | |
| 2010s | 525 | |
| 2020s | 37 | |
What are good nicknames for Matt?
What names sound and feel like Matt?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matt also consider these
How is Matt written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Matt
What does the name Matt mean?
Matt means "derived from Matthew; gift of God" — a name rooted in American 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 Matt?
Matt is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Matt?
Matt originates from American tradition. American 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 Matt?
Matt is a one-syllable name pronounced M AE1 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Matt sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Matt flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Matt ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.