Matthew: Meaning, Origin & Everything You Need to Know
Matthew is a Hebrew name meaning 'gift of Yahweh'.
At a Glance
- Pronunciation
- MATH-yooˈmæθ.juː
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- Matthew is a Hebrew name meaning 'gift of Yahweh'.
- Gender
- Boy's name
- Syllables
- 2
- Nicknames
- Matt, Matty, Mattie
- US Popularity (2025)
- #32 — 📉 Falling
What Does Matthew Mean?
Matthew comes from the Hebrew Mattityahu, built from mattan, meaning 'gift', and Yahu, a form of God's name, so it means 'gift of Yahweh'. In the New Testament, Matthew is one of the twelve apostles and the traditional author of the first gospel. He was a tax collector before following Jesus, and the Latin form of his name, Matthaeus, carried the name across Europe.
Matthew has been one of the most popular boys' names in the English-speaking world for decades, staying in the US top 20 until around 2018. It remains in the top 40, with a straightforward spelling and a range of nicknames, including Matt, Matty and the Spanish Mateo.
How Popular Is Matthew?
Matthew fell from #15 in 2015 to a low of #39 in 2022, and has recovered slightly to #32.
Source: US Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name data, ssa.gov/oact/babynames, 2025.
Middle Names That Go with Matthew
Classic pairings
- Matthew James
- Matthew Alexander
- Matthew William
- Matthew Henry
Modern pairings
- Matthew Atlas
- Matthew Wilder
- Matthew Jasper
- Matthew Beckett
One-syllable options
- Matthew Reid
- Matthew Cole
- Matthew Grant
- Matthew Blake
Family-name bridges
- Matthew John
- Matthew Thomas
- Matthew Daniel
- Matthew Joseph
Names Similar to Matthew
If you love Matthew, you might also like these names with a similar feel, origin, or sound.
Sibling Names That Go with Matthew
💙 Brother names
💗 Sister names
Famous People Named Matthew
- Matthew McConaugheyAmerican actor and Academy Award winner for 'Dallas Buyers Club'.
- Matthew PerryCanadian-American actor best known as Chandler Bing in 'Friends'.
- Matthew the ApostleOne of the twelve apostles and the traditional author of the Gospel of Matthew.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew
Is Matthew a boy or girl name?
Matthew is primarily a boy's name. It is very rarely used for girls.
How do you pronounce Matthew?
Matthew is pronounced MATH-yoo (IPA: ˈmæθ.juː). It has 2 syllables. Common nicknames include Matt, Matty, Mattie.
Is Matthew a Hebrew name?
Matthew is of Hebrew origin. Matthew is a Hebrew name meaning 'gift of Yahweh'.
What does Matthew mean?
Matthew is a Hebrew name meaning 'gift of Yahweh'.
Matthew comes from the Hebrew Mattityahu, built from mattan, meaning 'gift', and Yahu, a form of God's name, so it means 'gift of Yahweh'. In the New Testament, Matthew is one of the twelve apostles and the traditional author of the first gospel. He was a tax collector before following Jesus, and the Latin form of his name, Matthaeus, carried the name across Europe.
Is Matthew a popular name in 2026?
Yes, Matthew is a highly popular name. It ranked #32 in the United States in 2025 according to the Social Security Administration. The name is gradually declining in popularity but still firmly mainstream. Matthew fell from #15 in 2015 to a low of #39 in 2022, and has recovered slightly to #32.
What are good middle names for Matthew?
Good middle names for Matthew include classic choices like Matthew James and Matthew Alexander, modern options like Matthew Atlas and Matthew Wilder, and crisp one-syllable pairings like Matthew Reid and Matthew Cole. The best middle name depends on your surname and personal style.
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