Liam vs Matthew

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Liam

Boy #1 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"strong-willed warrior"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1
Total SSA Count
22,164
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Liam →

Matthew

Boy #33 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"gift of God"

Origin: Hebrew Mattityahu from mattan and Yahweh

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English French Italian Greek

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#33
Total SSA Count
7,078
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Matt, Matty, Mat

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Matthew →

Popularity Comparison

Liam Rank #1
Matthew Rank #33

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 vs #33 for Matthew.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Liam ___

  • Liam James
  • Liam Alexander
  • Liam Thomas
  • Liam Michael
  • Liam Patrick
  • Liam Joseph

Matthew ___

  • Matthew James
  • Matthew Thomas
  • Matthew David
  • Matthew Andrew
  • Matthew John
  • Matthew Robert

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Liam

Olivia Emma Noah Charlotte Sophia

If you choose Matthew

Luke John Mark Sarah Hannah

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Liam or Matthew more popular?

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 compared to Matthew at #33 in the United States.

What do Liam and Matthew mean?

Liam means "strong-willed warrior" (Irish origin). Matthew means "gift of God" (Hebrew Mattityahu from mattan and Yahweh origin).

Are Liam and Matthew boy or girl names?

Liam is primarily a boy name. Matthew is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Liam ← Full profile: Matthew Browse all baby names