Mathieu is a name of French origin, derived from the ancient Roman name "Matthaeus." The name Matthaeus is believed to have been created by the Latin-speaking Christian inhabitants of the Roman Empire in the early centuries of Christianity. It was likely inspired by the New Testament apostle Matthew, who was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament.
The name Matthaeus is composed of two elements: "math-," which means "gift," and "-eus," a suffix that means "pertaining to" or "having to do with." Therefore, Mathieu can be interpreted as meaning "gift of God."
Throughout history, Mathieu has been a popular name in France. It was the name of several notable historical figures, including Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the first Gospel; Matthieu de l'Outre-Forêt, a 14th-century French poet; and Matthieu Bonhomme, a 17th-century French painter.
Today, Mathieu remains a popular name in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking countries. It is also used in some English-speaking countries, particularly as an alternative spelling of Matthew. Overall, Mathieu is a strong, classic name with a rich history and a meaningful meaning that continues to appeal to parents today.
The name Mathieu has been a consistent choice for parents in the United States over the past two decades, with five babies being named Mathieu each year in both 1997 and 2015. This data shows that while not highly popular, the name Mathieu maintains a steady presence among newborns during these two specific years.