Matthew (name)

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For the related surname, see Matthews.

Matthew is the standard English form of the New Testament name Μαθθαιος or Ματθαιος (Matthaios), a Greek transliteration of the Aramaic diminutive מתי (Mattay, Maty). From Latin Matthæus, the English spelling Matthew (earlier Matheu) comes directly from the French Matthieu. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name מתתיהו (Matatyahu, Mattathias) or מתיתיהו (Matityahu, Mattithiah), Matthew means "gift of the LORD; gift of the god Yahu". The Hebrew name is also spelled מתניהו (Matanyahu, Mattaniah). Related names include נתניהו (Netanyahu, Nethaniah), and its inversion יהונתנ (Yehonatan, Jonathan).

A common name in the West, it is traditionally spelled "Matthew", but sometimes "Mathew", and even as the Muslim name Mathyu. "Matthew" can also be a last name, when an "s" is generally added to the end ("Matthews").

[edit] Popularity in the United States of America

Since 1975, "Matthew" has remained in the top 10 list of most popular names chosen for new-born babies in the United States. Additionally, since 1981, "Matthew" has remained among the top 4 most popular; peaking at the number 2 spot in both 1994 and 1996.

[edit] Alternative names and spellings

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