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 #2818 in 2024 — currently #3818 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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Matt John
One syllable · timeless choice
Matt Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Matt Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Matt Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Matt Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Matt right now?
Falling — down 1000 spots — currently #3818 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3818 | 29 | ▼ down 1000 · -37% births |
| 2024 | #2818 | 46 | ▼ down 1513 · -95% births |
| 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 2024:
Matt by decade
Matt peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s 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 | 112 | |
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?
What are the girl versions of Matt?
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 MAT. 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.