Matthew

Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Hebrew

Nicknames: Matt, Mat, Matty

Boy's name · #32 in the US (2025) · 80s wave

Popularity over time

Matthew was #2 back in 1995, spent 26 years inside the national top 5, and stands at #32 today. About 1.7 million boys have carried it since 1880.

Across the states

See where Matthew is more common.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 51 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

Matthew is especially popular in Philippines.

#8 in Philippines (2024) · #55 in Ireland (2025) · #61 in N. Ireland (2025) · #66 in Puerto Rico (2025) · #70 in Canada (2025) · #79 in Scotland (2025) · #115 in New Zealand (2025) · #118 in Ecuador (2025) · #153 in England & Wales (2025) · #425 in Belgium (2025) · #441 in Mexico (2024) · #458 in Netherlands (2025) and 11 more.

Famous Matthews

Matthew the Apostle — Apostle of Jesus (10–74)
Matthew McConaughey — American actor (born 1969)
Matthew Perry — American and Canadian actor (1969–2023)
Matthew Arnold — English poet and cultural critic (1822–1888)
Matthew Broderick — American actor (born 1962)
Matthew Rhys — Welsh actor (born 1974)
Matthew Lillard — American actor (born 1970)
Matthew Macfadyen — English actor (born 1974)
Matthew Fox — American actor (born 1966)
Matthew Goode — English actor (born 1978)

In stories & tradition

Matthew Scott — Stargate Universe (TV series)
Matthew of Westminster — Nonexistent person long regarded as the author of the Flores Historiarum (in fact written by Matthew Paris)
Matthew Scudder — A Walk Among the Tombstones (film)

What Matthews become

Among 4,570 notable people named Matthew:

No single standout — notable Matthews spread across many fields.

Twin names

Popular twin pairings with Matthew include Michael, Andrew, and Ryan for boys, and Madison and Emily for girls.

Similar names: Daniel · Mason · Andrew · Joshua · Aaron · Jonathan

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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