Mathew is a name of English origin, derived from the Hebrew name Matthew, which means "gift of God." The name has been popular throughout history and across various cultures.
The name Mathew first appeared in the Bible as one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. Saint Matthew was also known as Levi, a tax collector who became one of the most revered saints in Christianity. This biblical figure helped to establish the popularity of the name Matthew in early Christian communities.
In England, the name Mathew gained further prominence during the Middle Ages through figures such as Matthew Paris, a chronicler and cartographer from the 13th century, and Matthew Flinders, an explorer who circumnavigated Australia in the late 18th century. These historical figures helped to solidify the name's association with intelligence, courage, and adventure.
Today, Mathew remains a popular name for boys throughout the English-speaking world. Its timeless appeal can be attributed to its strong biblical roots, rich history, and positive connotations associated with it. Despite its English origin, Mathew has also been adopted by other cultures, including those of French, German, and Spanish descent.
In summary, Mathew is a name of Hebrew origin that means "gift of God." Throughout history, notable figures such as Saint Matthew the Apostle, Matthew Paris, and Matthew Flinders have contributed to its enduring popularity. Today, Mathew continues to be a beloved name for boys across various cultures and generations.
The name Mathew saw significant fluctuations over time. It peaked around the early to mid-1960s with numbers ranging from 443 to 828 births per year. However, after reaching its peak, there was a gradual decline in popularity. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of births had dropped significantly, with around 1600-1900 births per year. This trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, with fewer than 1500 births per year being recorded from 1994 onwards. Since then, the name Mathew has seen further decline in popularity, with less than 700 births per year since 2006, and as low as 258 births in 2023. Overall, there were a total of 77,052 births named Mathew between 1880 and 2023.