Matthew is a popular English given name with a rich history and profound meaning. Derived from the Hebrew name "Mattityahu," which means "gift of God" or "gift from Yahweh," Matthew signifies the divine nature of one's existence.
The name Matthew first appeared in biblical times, attributed to one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, also known as Levi. This apostle was a tax collector who later became a prominent figure in Christianity after converting and dedicating his life to spreading the teachings of Jesus.
Throughout history, many notable figures have carried the name Matthew. For instance, Matthew Boult was an English musician from the early 17th century, while Matthew Perry is a renowned American-Canadian actor known for his role in the television series Friends. Additionally, Matthew Fox is an American actor famous for his role in Lost.
In literature and arts, Matthew has been used as a character name numerous times due to its popularity and enduring appeal. For example, it appears in works such as "Matthew Prior's" poetry, Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," and even in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
The name Matthew also ranks consistently high among popular baby names in many English-speaking countries today. Its variants include Matt, Mathew, Matthieu (French), Matteo (Italian), and Matthias (German).
Overall, the name Matthew embodies a strong sense of divine purpose and has been carried by notable figures throughout history, making it a timeless and meaningful choice for parents seeking a powerful moniker for their child.
Statistics on the given name Mattheau reveal an interesting trend over time in the United States. Between the years of 1997 and 2000, there were a total of 21 babies born with this name each year.
In 1997, there were 5 births with the name Mattheau. This number remained consistent for the following year as well, with another 5 babies being given this name in 1998. However, there was a slight increase in popularity in 1999, with 6 babies being named Mattheau that year.
The trend then returned to its previous level in 2000, with once again 5 babies being named Mattheau.
Overall, these statistics suggest that while the name Mattheau was not particularly common during this time period, it did maintain a consistent level of popularity among parents choosing names for their newborns.