Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mattew has Hebrew origins, meaning 'gift of God'. It evolved through several languages, including Greek and Latin, before becoming common in English. It is linked to biblical figures and has been widely used since the Middle Ages. The name is often associated with positive traits and has notable bearers in contemporary culture.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmætjuː/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Mattew is derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning 'gift of God'. It was later adopted into Greek as Matthaios and then into Latin as Matthaeus.
Meaning
gift of God
Language Evolution
Matityahu (Hebrew), Matthaios (Greek), Matthaeus (Latin), Mattew (English)
Biblical Background
The name is associated with Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament.
Historical Usage
The name Mattew gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages, particularly after the Norman Conquest, and has remained a common name since then.
Variants & Derivatives
Matthew, Matthias, Matteo, Matheus
Modern Popularity & Image
Mattew is perceived as a traditional yet modern name, often associated with kindness and intelligence. It remains popular in various cultures.
Famous People
Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Perry, Matthew Broderick
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 58 peak births in 1987
Geographic Spread
Popular across 5 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 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 | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4512th of 7552 | 48 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2380th of 10718 | 261 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1991st of 16616 | 553 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5614th of 24088 | 221 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6959th of 23106 | 139 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male 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) |
- | - | - |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
55.28% 2037th/3685 |
53.68% 2402nd/4475 |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
35.41% 2237th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
69.69% 3127th/4487 |
- | - |
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 California 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. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled 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 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4512th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2380th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1991st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5614th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6959th out of 23106 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.