Matthew is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It comes from the Latin name Matthias, which means "gift of God." In the Bible, Saint Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and also wrote one of the four Gospels. The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The name Matthew has a long history of use in English-speaking countries. It has been a popular choice for boys since the Middle Ages, although its popularity has waxed and waned over time. In recent years, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the United States.
Matthew is often shortened to Matt or Matty, but other variations include Matthieu (French), Matteo (Italian), and Mathew (British spelling). Some famous people named Matthew include actor Matthew McConaughey, singer-songwriter MattMonro, and former British prime minister Matthew Pinsent. Overall, Matthew is a classic name with a rich history that continues to be popular today.
Matthew has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century. In the early decades, its usage was quite consistent, with an average of about five births per year between 1911 and 1958. However, starting from 1959, there was a notable increase, reaching a peak in 1967 with 49 births. This trend continued until the late 1970s, with Matthew being one of the most popular names for several years.
The name's popularity began to decline in the early 1980s, and this trend has persisted up until recently. After a peak of 317 births in 1983, the numbers have been steadily decreasing, reaching a low of seven births in 2020. The total number of births with the name Matthew over this period is 5567.