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 has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1880 and 1924, there were fewer than 200 births per year on average. However, starting from 1925, the number of births began to increase steadily.
From 1956 onwards, Mathew became a highly popular name, with over 230 births recorded that year alone. The popularity peaked in 1970 when there were 828 newborns named Mathew, marking an all-time high for this name. This trend continued throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, with the number of annual births consistently exceeding 1,000.
However, after reaching a peak of 2,162 births in 1989, there was a noticeable decline in popularity during the 1990s. Despite this decrease, Mathew remained one of the most popular names for boys throughout the decade, with an average of around 1,500 births per year.
In recent years, the name Mathew has seen a further decline in popularity. Between 2000 and 2023, there were fewer than 700 births per year on average, marking a significant decrease from its peak decades earlier. Nonetheless, Mathew remains a classic and enduring name for boys, with over 77,000 births recorded in the United States since 1880.