What does Matthews mean and where does it come from?
Matthews is derived from the name Matthew, which comes from the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattityahu), meaning 'gift of God'. While Matthews is more commonly recognized as a surname, it has been adopted as a given name in some contexts. The name became popular through the influence of St. Matthew, o
Cultural significance
Matthews has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #1072 in 1882 — currently #8024 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Matthews?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Matthews?
Matthews works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Matthews Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Matthews John
One syllable · timeless choice
Matthews Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Matthews Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Matthews Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Matthews Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Matthews right now?
Falling — down 3373 spots — currently #8024 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #8024 | 10 | ▼ down 3373 · -55% births |
| 2024 | #4651 | 22 | ▲ up 941 · +29% births |
| 2023 | #5592 | 17 | ▲ up 4885 · +143% births |
| 2022 | #10477 | 7 | ▼ down 1885 · -22% births |
| 2021 | #8592 | 9 | ▼ down 2638 · -36% births |
| 2020 | #5954 | 14 | ▼ down 443 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #5511 | 16 | ▲ up 2082 · +60% births |
| 2010 | #7593 | 10 | ▼ down 3389 · -52% births |
| 2005 | #4204 | 21 | ▼ down 1279 · -30% births |
| 2000 | #2925 | 30 | ▲ up 783 · +76% births |
| 1995 | #3708 | 17 | ▼ down 1075 · -32% births |
| 1990 | #2633 | 25 | ▼ down 191 · +19% births |
| 1985 | #2442 | 21 | ▲ up 186 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #2628 | 18 | ▼ down 328 · -5% births |
| 1975 | #2300 | 19 | — |
The story of Matthews
Matthews has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 1,540 total births recorded, Matthews remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3118 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5592 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Matthews in 1882:
Matthews by decade
Matthews peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 16 | |
| 1910s | 89 | |
| 1920s | 126 | |
| 1930s | 82 | |
| 1940s | 104 | |
| 1950s | 122 | |
| 1960s | 120 | |
| 1970s | 141 | |
| 1980s ★ | 269 | |
| 1990s | 176 | |
| 2000s | 175 | |
| 2010s | 96 | |
| 2020s | 46 | |
💎With 1,540 total births, Matthews is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Matthews?
What names sound and feel like Matthews?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matthews also consider these
Common questions about the name Matthews
What does the name Matthews mean?
Matthews means "English" — 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 Matthews?
Matthews is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Matthews have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Matthews?
Matthews 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.
How do you pronounce the name Matthews?
Matthews is a two-syllable name pronounced MATHY-ooz. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Matthews trending right now?
Matthews is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.