Matthew, derived from the Hebrew 'Matityahu', meaning 'gift of God', is a classic and timeless given name of considerable historical significance. It was popular among early Christians due to its association with one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, Saint Matthew. Throughout history, numerous figures have borne this name, including notable scientists like Matthew Maury, known for his pioneering work in oceanography, and philosophers such as Matthew Arnold, a key figure in the Victorian era. In literature, it is immortalized through characters like Matthew Cuthbert from 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery. Today, Matthew remains a widely-used name worldwide, appreciated for its biblical roots and strong historical lineage.
The name Mathew experienced a steady rise in popularity from 1973 to its peak in 1986, after which it began to decline.