Matthew

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Matthew (pronounced /ˈmæθjuː/) is the standard English for the New Testament name Μαθθαιος^[1], a Koine Greek transliteration of the Aramaic diminutive מתי (Mattay, Maty). From Latin Matthæus, the English spelling Matthew comes directly from the French Matthieu (earlier Matheu). Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name מתתיהו (Matatyahu, Mattathias) or מתיתיהו (Matityahu, Mattithiah), Matthew means "gift of Yahweh". The Hebrew name is also spelled מתניהו (Matanyahu, Mattaniah). Related names include נתניהו (Netanyahu, Nethaniah), and with swapped syllables יהונתן (Yehonatan, Jonathan).

A common name in the West, it is traditionally spelled "Matthew" in English, but sometimes "Mathew", and even as the Muslim name Mathyu. Matt is the most common hypocoristic form of the name in English. "Matthew" can also be a middle name, and the English surnames Matthew, Matthews, Mathis, Mathewson, and Mattison are among many family names derived from it.

The name "Matthew" has historically been distinguished from the related but less common (in English) name Matthias, and is clearly distinguished in most other European languages.

Frequency and distribution

"Matthew" was the most frequently used male given name for newborns in Northern Ireland in 2000 and 2002, alternating with "Jack".^[2]
"Matthew" has been one of the ten most popular names for boys in the United States since 1972, although its popularity has been rapidly declining since 2005. It reached peak popularity in 1995 and 1996 as the 2nd most popular name in the country. ^[3]

References