What does Matthew mean and where does it come from?
Matthew is traditionally a male name derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu. In some cultures and contemporary contexts, it is adopted for females in various forms. The name has biblical origins, being one of the apostles of Jesus. It has remained a popular name across multiple cultures, symbolizin
Cultural significance
Matthew has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of מַתִּתְיָהוּ - meaning 'gift of god'..
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1995 — currently #32 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Matthew?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Matthew?
Matthew works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Matthew Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Matthew Rose
Floral · soft ending
Matthew Mae
Sweet · timeless
Matthew Claire
French influence · crisp
Matthew Jane
Literary · strong
Matthew Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Matthew right now?
Rising — up 7 spots — currently #32 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #32 | 7,221 | ▲ up 7 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #39 | 7,070 | ▼ down 3 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #36 | 7,479 | ▼ down 6 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #30 | 8,052 | ▼ down 15 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #15 | 12,749 | ▲ up 1 · -10% births |
| 2010 | #16 | 14,134 | ▼ down 12 · -34% births |
| 2005 | #4 | 21,468 | ▼ down 1 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #3 | 28,573 | ▼ down 1 · -13% births |
| 1995 | #2 | 32,875 | ▲ up 1 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #3 | 44,804 | stable · -5% births |
| 1985 | #3 | 47,079 | ▲ up 3 · +24% births |
| 1980 | #6 | 37,855 | ▲ up 3 · +33% births |
| 1975 | #9 | 28,550 | ▲ up 15 · +41% births |
| 1970 | #24 | 20,200 | ▲ up 12 · +102% births |
| 1965 | #36 | 9,991 | — |
The story of Matthew
Matthew has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1995, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1623K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #117 in 1880 to #32 in 2023. Matthew is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Matthew in 1995:
Matthew by decade
Matthew peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,068 | |
| 1890s | 1,132 | |
| 1900s | 1,189 | |
| 1910s | 6,233 | |
| 1920s | 8,587 | |
| 1930s | 6,268 | |
| 1940s | 8,774 | |
| 1950s | 35,862 | |
| 1960s | 106,325 | |
| 1970s | 279,172 | |
| 1980s ★ | 461,543 | |
| 1990s | 352,350 | |
| 2000s | 221,902 | |
| 2010s | 124,862 | |
| 2020s | 8,059 | |
What are good nicknames for Matthew?
ENGLISH
MatMattMattieMatty
What names sound and feel like Matthew?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matthew also consider these
How is Matthew written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Matthew?
Common questions about the name Matthew
What does the name Matthew mean?
Matthew means "מַתִּתְיָהוּ - meaning '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 Matthew?
Matthew is currently ranked #32 in the United States 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 Matthew?
Matthew 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 Matthew?
Matthew is a two-syllable name pronounced M AE1 TH Y UW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Matthew more of a girl or boy name?
Matthew is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.