Matthew is a popular given name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the Hebrew name Matthias, which means "gift of God." In the New Testament of the Bible, Matthew is one of the twelve apostles and also the author of the first Gospel. Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne this name, including several saints and martyrs.
The name Matthew has been widely used in English-speaking countries for generations. It has consistently ranked among the top 500 names given to boys in the United States since the early 20th century. In recent years, it has also gained popularity in other countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
One famous bearer of the name Matthew was Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing on the popular television show "Friends." Another notable Matthew is Matthew McConaughey, an Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in films such as "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Interstellar."
Overall, the name Matthew has a rich history and carries a strong meaning that has contributed to its enduring popularity. It remains a classic choice for parents looking for a timeless and meaningful name for their baby boy.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Matthew in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name Matthew.
In the late 19th century, the number of babies named Matthew ranged from around 60 to 150 per year. The lowest point was in 1881 with only 80 births, while the highest point during this period was in 1892 with 132 births.
However, starting in the mid-20th century, there was a dramatic increase in the number of babies named Matthew. In 1967, there were 13,569 births with the name Matthew, marking the start of its rise in popularity. This number continued to grow throughout the 1970s and 1980s, reaching an all-time high in 1982 with 50,210 births.
The peak in popularity for the name Matthew occurred during the late 1970s to early 1980s. After this point, the number of babies named Matthew began to decline gradually. By 2023, there were only 7,190 births with the name Matthew, indicating a significant decrease in its popularity compared to its peak decades ago.
Overall, these statistics illustrate the shifting trends in baby naming over time, with Matthew experiencing a surge in popularity during the late 20th century before gradually declining in recent years.