What Does the Name Matthew Mean?
Matthew comes from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God." It passed into Greek as Matthaios and then into English as Matthew. The tender meaning has made it a favorite for parents welcoming a much-wanted child.
The Origin & History of Matthew
The name is best known from Matthew the Apostle, a tax collector who became one of Jesus's twelve disciples and is traditionally credited with the first Gospel of the New Testament. This gave the name enormous staying power across the Christian world. In the United States, Matthew was one of the top boys' names throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
Personality & Traits
Matthew feels friendly, dependable, and quietly classic, never trendy but never dated. Its familiar nickname Matt keeps it casual and approachable. The name suits a wide range of people and blends easily into any generation.
Famous People Named Matthew
Well-known bearers include actors Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Broderick, and Matthew Perry. The original namesake, Matthew the Apostle and Gospel writer, remains the source of its enduring popularity.
Nicknames & Variations
The standard nickname is Matt, with Matty used affectionately. International variants include Matteo (Italian), Mateo (Spanish), Mathias, and Matthieu (French). The related name Matthias shares the same Hebrew root.
Is Matthew a Good Name in 2026?
Matthew is a rock-solid classic that remains widely used, if less dominant than at its peak. It offers instant familiarity, a friendly nickname, and a meaningful biblical background. Parents who want a timeless, unmistakably masculine name often choose Matthew.