Matthew

What does the baby name Matthew mean? Learn about what Matthew means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Matthew - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Matthew
M-A-T-T-H-E-W, is a 7-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Matthew
MATH yoo
Meaning of Matthew
Gift from god, gift of god, god's present.
Origin of Matthew
The name 'Matthew' finds its origins in the Hebrew language, specifically from the Hebrew name 'Matityahu'. In Hebrew, 'Matityahu' means 'gift of Yahweh' or 'gift of God'. This name has been cherished for centuries and holds a deep spiritual meaning. Its earliest known use can be traced back to biblical times, where 'Matthew' was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ himself.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Matthew
Macias
Macie
Macisk
Mat
Mata
Matai
Matej
Mateo
Mateusz
Mathe
Matheu
Mathian
Mathias
Mathieu
Matias
Mats
Matt
Mattaeus
Mattaus
Matteo
Matthaus
Matthias
Matthiew
Mattias
Matty
Matui
Matya
Matyas
Matz
Mayhew
Thies
Popularity of Matthew
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Matthew' has experienced various trends and notable spikes. In the United States, 'Matthew' gained significant popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. It reached its peak in the 1980s, consistently ranking among the top ten most popular names for boys. This surge in popularity can be attributed to its association with the biblical figure and the timeless appeal of its meaning.
Matthew currently has 5040 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Blake is slightly more popular than Matthew.

Etymology of Matthew

To truly understand the linguistic roots of the name 'Matthew', we must look to its origin language, Hebrew. The name 'Matityahu' is a combination of two Hebrew words 'Matan', meaning 'gift', and 'Yah', a shortened form of Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God. Therefore, when we break it down, 'Matthew' translates to 'gift of God', a beautiful sentiment that reflects the blessings bestowed upon the bearer of this name.

Cultural Significance of Matthew

'Matthew' holds significant cultural importance, particularly within the Christian faith. As mentioned earlier, 'Matthew' was one of the twelve apostles and is credited with writing the first Gospel of the New Testament. His name has become synonymous with faith, devotion, and the spreading of the teachings of Jesus Christ. In many Christian communities, individuals named 'Matthew' are seen as bearers of a sacred legacy.