Matthew is a male given name of English origin that has been popular throughout history. The name Matthews comes from the Middle English name Mathew, which was derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu. This Hebrew name means "gift of Yahweh," which refers to God in the Jewish religion.
The name Matthew first appeared in England during the Middle Ages and was often used as a surname. Over time, it evolved into the given name we know today. In the United States, Matthews has been consistently popular since the mid-20th century, reaching its peak popularity in the 1960s and 1970s.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Matthews. For instance, Sir Matthew Pinsent is a British rower who won four consecutive Olympic gold medals between 1984 and 2000. Additionally, Matthew McConaughey is an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Dazed and Confused," "Interstellar," and "Dallas Buyers Club."
While Matthews may have a long history and numerous notable bearers, its popularity can be attributed to its simple yet strong sound. It is also considered a unisex name, making it versatile for parents who prefer gender-neutral options. However, despite its versatility, Matthews remains predominantly associated with males.
The name Matthews has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by these statistics on annual births.
From 1882 to 1946, there were fewer than 20 births per year with this name. The numbers fluctuated between 5 and 16 births annually during this period.
However, beginning in 1947, the popularity of the name Matthews started to rise steadily. From that year until 1980, the number of annual births with the name ranged from a low of 7 to a high of 23.
The trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with the highest number of Matthews births recorded in 1988 (41). This decade also saw some years with fewer than 10 births bearing this name.
In the new millennium, the popularity of Matthews has remained relatively consistent. Between 2000 and 2023, there have been between 6 and 23 births annually with this name. The most recent data shows that in 2023, there were 17 births named Matthews.
Over the entire period from 1882 to 2023, a total of 1573 babies were born with the name Matthews in the United States. This data provides insights into the changing trends in naming practices over time and demonstrates that while Matthews has not been one of the most popular names, it has maintained a steady presence among newborns in the U.S.