Matthew is a popular given name of English origin, derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, which means "gift of Yahweh." In the New Testament of the Bible, Matthew is one of the twelve apostles and also the author of the first Gospel, often referred to as the Gospel according to Matthew. Therefore, the name has been widely used throughout history, particularly in Christian communities.
The earliest known usage of the name Matthew in England dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period (410-1066 AD). It was quite common among the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and it has remained a popular choice for boys' names ever since. Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the name Matthew, including several saints, scholars, and historical figures.
In literature, Matthew is the protagonist of Charles Dickens' novel "Nicholas Nickleby," and he also appears as a character in works by other authors such as George Eliot and Virginia Woolf. In popular culture, famous bearers of the name include American actor Matthew McConaughey, English musician Matthew Bellamy, and Canadian ice hockey player Matthew Tkachuk.
The name Matthew has been consistently ranked among the top 10 most popular boy's names in the United States for several decades, reflecting its enduring appeal. Its popularity can be attributed to its biblical origins, strong historical usage, and classic yet approachable sound. Parents who choose the name Matthew may appreciate its timelessness and familiarity while also recognizing its deeper meaning and rich history.
In summary, Matthew is an English given name with Hebrew origins, meaning "gift of Yahweh." It has been widely used throughout history, particularly in Christian communities, due to its biblical associations with one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The name has a strong historical presence in England and has been borne by many notable individuals throughout the centuries. Its popularity as a boy's name remains high today due to its classic sound, timeless appeal, and meaningful origins.
Sources:
* Behind the Name: Matthew. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.behindthename.com/name/matthew
* Matthew (given name). (2021, March 16). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:39, April 5, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Matthew_(given_name)&oldid=1014846276
* Nameberry. (n.d.). Matthew. Retrieved from https://www.nameberry.com/name/matthew
Based on the statistics provided, the name Matthew has been consistently popular among parents in the United States over several decades, with a notable increase in popularity during the mid-1980s.
From 1975 to 1994, there were a total of 133 babies named Matthew born in the United States. The highest number of Matthews was born in 1983 and 1985, with 16 and 15 births respectively. This suggests that these years were particularly popular for the name Matthew.
However, popularity fluctuated over time. For example, there were only 5 births each in 1975 and 1986, indicating that those years may not have been as favorable for the name Matthew compared to other years on this list.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the steady presence of the name Matthew among American baby names during this period.