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.
"Matthew's popularity as a name fluctuated significantly over the years, with a notable spike starting around 1947 and peaking in 1970 with over 20,000 births that year. Since then, its popularity has steadily declined, with only around 7,000 births recorded in 2023."