Matthews

gift of God
English origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#5592US 2023
17Births / yr
Rising
1.5kAll-time births
📅 Since 188200
How to pronounce Matthews
MATHY·ooz
/ˈmæθj.uːz/ · stress on MATHY · 2 syllables
gift of God
English origin · Boy name

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 #5592 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 Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Matthews Rose
Floral · soft ending
Matthews Mae
Sweet · timeless
Matthews Claire
French influence · crisp
Matthews Jane
Literary · strong
Matthews Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Matthews
Browse ideas →

How popular is Matthews right now?

Rising fast — up 4885 spots — currently #5592 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19152023#5592 · Top 4.1%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#559217▲ up 4885 · +143% births
2022#104777▼ down 1885 · -22% births
2021#85929▼ down 2638 · -36% births
2020#595414▼ down 443 · -12% births
2015#551116▲ up 2082 · +60% births
2010#759310▼ down 3389 · -52% births
2005#420421▼ down 1279 · -30% births
2000#292530▲ up 783 · +76% births
1995#370817▼ down 1075 · -32% births
1990#263325▼ down 191 · +19% births
1985#244221▲ up 186 · +17% births
1980#262818▼ down 328 · -5% births
1975#230019▼ down 73 · +12% births
1970#222717▼ down 288
1965#193917

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Matthews

1920Rank #1833
30
#3802
Falling
1915 - 202324 years

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 →

DecadeBirths
1880s5
1890s5
1900s16
1910s89
1920s126
1930s82
1940s104
1950s122
1960s120
1970s141
1980s269
1990s176
2000s175
2010s96
2020s14
💎With 1,540 total births, Matthews is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Matthews?

Common
MatMaAtthews

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 M AE1 TH Y UW0 Z. 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.