The name Matheu is of Spanish origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Latin name Matthias, which means "gift of God." The name Matthias was initially given to babies born around the time of the Feast of Saint Matthias, which is celebrated on February 24th.
Matheu is often associated with the apostle Matthias, who was chosen by the other apostles to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal and subsequent suicide. According to biblical accounts, Matthias was a nominee for the position alongside Barsabbas (also known as Joseph called Barsabas), but it was ultimately Matthias who was chosen through divine intervention.
The name Matheu has been popular throughout history, particularly in Spain and French-speaking regions of Europe. It was often used by nobles and royalty, with notable figures including Matthieu de l'Éscouaille, a French nobleman who became a priest and founded the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits.
In literature, Matheu has been used as a character name in several works, such as "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. The author chose the name Matheu for one of the main characters, Maximilien Morrel, who is a merchant and friend to the titular count.
Today, Matheu remains a popular choice among parents looking for unique yet meaningful names for their children. Its association with spirituality, strength, and wisdom makes it an appealing option for many families. While it may not be as common as some other names, Matheu continues to be recognized as a timeless and significant name with deep historical roots.
The given statistics show the annual number of babies named Matheu born in the United States from 1975 to 2015. The data starts with a low of 5 births in 1975 and gradually increases over time, reaching a peak of 21 births in 2006. After this peak, the number of babies named Matheu decreases, with only 5 births recorded in both 2014 and 2015.
Over the entire period from 1975 to 2015, a total of 214 babies were named Matheu in the United States. This shows that while the name was not extremely popular every year, it did maintain some level of consistency throughout this timeframe. However, it is interesting to note that the name's popularity seemed to peak around the early-to-mid 2000s before declining again in recent years.