"gift of God, gift of Yahweh"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Mathew
Pronunciation: [ m-ATHY-oo ]
Does Mathew flow with your last name?
A divine gift — the apostle's name for every era
English
Christian
American
British
Classic
Traditional
Strong
Moderate
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Meaning & Origin
"gift of the Lord"
Origin: Hebrew (Mattityahu)
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Mathew
Mathew is a variant spelling of Matthew, derived from the Hebrew Mattityahu meaning gift of Yahweh or gift of God. The name came to England via the Latin Matthaeus and Greek Matthaios, spreading widely through the Christian New Testament, where Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel. The single-t spelling Mathew has been used throughout English history as an equally valid variant.
Matthew was a dominant Top 5 name in the US, UK, and Australia throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The variant Mathew has always been less common but carries the same warm, classic feel. Interestingly, the 1960s film star Steve McQueen's birth name was Terence Steven McQueen, but the name Matthew he used in productions helped solidify its screen appeal.
As one of the four Evangelists, Matthew holds a central place in Christian tradition — his Gospel opens the New Testament and begins with the genealogy of Jesus. Saint Matthew is the patron saint of accountants and tax collectors, fitting given his biblical profession.
Historical Record
Mathew first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 70,945 babies have been named Mathew in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mathew is past its peak , currently ranked #941 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Matthew was the #1 boys name in the US for much of the 1980s
- The Gospel of Matthew is the most frequently quoted in early Christian writings
- Mateo (the Spanish form) has now surpassed Matthew in US popularity among Hispanic families
Mathew in Other Languages
Greek
Ματθαῖος
French
Matthieu
German
Matthäus
Hebrew
מַתִּתְיָהוּ
Italian
Matteo
Spanish
Mateo
Popularity Over Time
#941
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1984
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mathew
M
Matt Damon
Actor
1970
Academy Award-winning American actor and screenwriter known for Good Will Hunting
M
Matthew McConaughey
Actor
1969
Academy Award-winning American actor known for Dallas Buyers Club and True Detective
M
Matthew (the Apostle)
Religious
One of the twelve apostles of Jesus and traditional author of the Gospel of Matthew
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Compare Mathew with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #941
- Total SSA Count
- 244
- Cultural Origins
- English Christian American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Matt
Matty
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mathew
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Mathew is also used as a girl name, ranked #61377.
View Mathew as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mathew
What does the name Mathew mean?
"gift of God, gift of Yahweh" (from Hebrew). "gift of the Lord" (from Hebrew (Mattityahu)). Mathew is a variant spelling of Matthew, derived from the Hebrew Mattityahu meaning gift of Yahweh or gift of God. The name came to England via the Latin Matthaeus and Greek Matthaios, spreading widely through the Christian New Testament, where Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel. The single-t spelling Mathew has been used throughout English history as an equally valid variant.
What is the origin of the name Mathew?
Mathew has Hebrew, Hebrew (Mattityahu), English, Christian, American, and British origins. In Hebrew, it means "gift of God, gift of Yahweh". In Hebrew (Mattityahu), it means "gift of the Lord".
Is Mathew a boy or girl name?
Mathew is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #941. As a girl name, it is ranked #61377. Mathew is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mathew?
Mathew is pronounced m-ATHY-oo.
How popular is the name Mathew?
Mathew is currently ranked #941 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mathew?
Common nicknames for Mathew include Matt and Matty.
What are good middle names for Mathew?
Popular middle name pairings include Mathew James, Mathew Thomas, Mathew David, Mathew John, Mathew Alexander, and Mathew William.
What are good sibling names for Mathew?
Names that pair well with Mathew as siblings include Luke, John, Sarah, Emily, Rachel, and Andrew.
How many syllables does Mathew have?
Mathew has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mathew a common or rare name?
Mathew is moderately common, ranked #941 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Mathew?
About the Name Mathew
Mathew is a boy name with English, Christian, American, and British origins . The name means "gift of God, gift of Yahweh" in Hebrew .
Is Mathew a boy or girl name? Mathew is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #941 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #61,377. Mathew is more commonly used as a boy name.
Mathew is currently ranked #941 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mathew has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-ATHY-oo, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mathew include Matt and Matty. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mathew include Mathias, Matheo, Matheus, Mathis, Mathieu . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis