Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mathew originates from Hebrew, meaning 'gift of God'. It has evolved through various languages, including Greek and Latin, before becoming popular in English. Mathew is linked to biblical significance as an apostle and gospel writer. The name is perceived positively in modern times, associated with notable figures in various fields.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmæθjuː/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Mathew is derived from the Hebrew name 'Matityahu', which means 'gift of God'.
Meaning
gift of God
Language Evolution
Matityahu (Hebrew), Matthias (Greek), Matthaeus (Latin), Matheus (Old French), Mathew (English)
Biblical Background
Mathew is a significant biblical figure, being one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and traditionally considered the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
Historical Usage
The name Mathew gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages, particularly after the Reformation when biblical names became fashionable.
Variants & Derivatives
Matthew, Matthias, Matteo, Matteus
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Mathew is viewed as a classic and timeless name, often associated with kindness and intelligence.
Famous People
Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Perry, Matthew Broderick, Mathew Baynton
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,184 peak births in 1990
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Idaho
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (10 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 10 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 407th of 7545 | 3,361 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 641st of 6773 | 1,677 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 496th of 7552 | 4,296 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 240th of 10718 | 14,969 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 158th of 16616 | 29,732 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 300th of 24088 | 17,016 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 625th of 23106 | 5,301 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8706th of 19264 | 63 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8195th of 27321 | 134 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 30690th of 35406 | 10 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
26.98% 382nd/1416 |
24.15% 333rd/1379 |
19.74% 467th/2366 |
52.10% 595th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
36.68% 567th/1546 |
33.10% 515th/1556 |
33.57% 790th/2353 |
44.93% 695th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
18.37% 409th/2227 |
18.72% 455th/2430 |
28.92% 825th/2853 |
13.84% 384th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.50% 191st/2937 |
6.37% 222nd/3483 |
11.43% 402nd/3518 |
4.72% 191st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.74% 138th/3685 |
2.84% 127th/4475 |
4.02% 209th/5194 |
2.45% 155th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.14% 327th/4582 |
4.42% 228th/5164 |
4.69% 343rd/7313 |
3.58% 267th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
21.06% 839th/3984 |
12.39% 556th/4487 |
10.41% 710th/6822 |
7.41% 465th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Idaho across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 407th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 641st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 496th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 240th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 158th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 300th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 625th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8706th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8195th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 30690th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.