Matthew is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, which means "gift of God." This name has a rich history and has been carried by many notable figures throughout time.
The name Matthew first appears in the Bible as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Saint Matthew was also known as Levi, and he was originally a tax collector before becoming an apostle. He is believed to have written the first Gospel in the New Testament, which is known as the Gospel of Matthew. Due to his important role in early Christianity, the name Matthew has been closely associated with faith and religion.
The popularity of the name Matthew can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England. It was a common given name for boys during this time period and continued to be popular throughout the centuries. In fact, several English kings have borne the name Matthew, including Matthew I, who ruled from 1399 to 1406.
Over time, the name Matthew has evolved into many different variations and spellings. Some of these include Mathew, Matthieu, Matthias, Mateo, and Mattia. Each variation maintains the original meaning of "gift of God," but they offer different pronunciation and spelling options.
Today, Matthew remains a popular given name for boys around the world. It is often chosen by parents who appreciate its historic significance and religious ties, as well as its classic sound and timeless appeal. Despite its long history, the name Matthew continues to feel fresh and relevant, making it a strong choice for newborns or anyone looking for a meaningful and enduring name.
Overall, Matthew is a name with deep roots in history and culture. Whether you're drawn to its biblical origins, its royal connections, or simply its attractive sound, choosing this name ensures that your child will bear a name with a rich and significant past.
"Matthew is a popular name for boys in the United States, with over 70 babies named Matthew between the years of 1975 and 1995 inclusive. The popularity of this name has seen some variation throughout these two decades.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of births for boys named Matthew ranged from five to seven each year, with a slight increase in 1984 when twelve babies were given this name. The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate throughout the rest of the decade, peaking again at six births in both 1987 and 1988.
After a brief decrease in 1989, when only five boys were named Matthew, there was another peak in 1995 with six births. Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that Matthew has remained a consistently popular name for boys throughout this period.
Overall, the statistics show that Matthew has been a well-liked choice of name for parents in the United States over the past two decades."