Matthew Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Matthew
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name MATTHEW. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Matthew
Gender
Male
Origin
Hebrew
Lucky Number
9
Meaning of the Name
Matthew means 'gift of God' or 'gift of Yahweh' in its Hebrew origins. The name carries strong biblical significance as it belonged to one of Jesus's twelve apostles who wrote the first Gospel.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mars
Positive Nature
Generous, passionate, energetic, and humanitarian.
Negative Traits
Impulsive, impatient, moody, and can be overly emotional.
Lucky Colours
Red, maroon, scarlet.
Lucky Days
Tuesday.
Lucky Stones
Red coral, garnet.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 3, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Military, sports, philanthropy, leadership roles.
What People Like About You
Courage, energy, leadership, generosity.
Famous People Named Matthew
Matthew the Apostle
Biblical Figure
One of the Twelve Apostles and traditionally credited as author of the first Gospel
Matthew Perry
Actor
Famous for playing Chandler Bing on the iconic TV series 'Friends'
Matthew McConaughey
Actor
Academy Award-winning actor known for roles in 'Dallas Buyers Club' and 'Interstellar'
Matthew Henson
Explorer
African-American explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on the first successful expedition to the North Pole
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The name spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, becoming particularly popular in England after the Norman Conquest, and has maintained its religious and cultural resonance across centuries of use. In many Christian traditions, Matthew is venerated as a saint and evangelist, with his feast day celebrated on September 21st in the Western Church and November 16th in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The enduring popularity of the name across different cultures and time periods demonstrates its ability to bridge religious tradition with contemporary appeal, making it both timeless and adaptable to changing social contexts.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Matthew are often perceived as reliable, intelligent, and compassionate. They tend to exhibit strong moral character and a natural inclination toward leadership, combined with a practical approach to problem-solving. Many Matthews display excellent communication skills and a thoughtful nature, often serving as mediators in conflicts or trusted advisors among their peers. The name carries connotations of wisdom and stability, with those bearing it frequently described as having good judgment and a calm demeanor even in challenging situations.
Their combination of intelligence and empathy makes them well-suited for roles requiring both analytical thinking and interpersonal sensitivity. Matthews are often seen as dependable friends and colleagues who can be counted on in times of need. While they may appear reserved initially, they typically possess deep loyalty to those they care about and strong principles that guide their decisions. The name's biblical origins contribute to perceptions of integrity and spiritual depth, though these traits manifest in secular contexts as well through ethical behavior and concern for others' wellbeing.
Modern Usage & Popularity
Matthew remains consistently popular in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It ranked among the top 20 boys' names in the US for over four decades from the 1970s through the 2000s, demonstrating remarkable staying power. While its popularity has slightly declined in recent years, it maintains strong usage due to its classic appeal, religious significance, and versatility. The name appeals to parents seeking a traditional yet contemporary name that works well across different ages and professional contexts. Common nicknames like Matt and Matty provide friendly, approachable alternatives while maintaining the name's substantial foundation. Its continued presence in popular culture through actors, athletes, and fictional characters ensures the name remains familiar and well-regarded across generations.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Matthew represents divine blessing, spiritual awakening, and the transformative power of faith. The name embodies the concept of being chosen or gifted by God, carrying connotations of purpose and destiny. It symbolizes the journey from worldly pursuits to higher calling, mirroring Saint Matthew's transformation from tax collector to apostle. The name also represents recording and preserving truth, reflecting Matthew's role as Gospel writer. In broader symbolic terms, it suggests reliability, wisdom, and the capacity to bridge different worlds—whether spiritual and earthly, or practical and philosophical. The enduring popularity of the name across centuries speaks to its powerful symbolic resonance as a name that combines strength with spirituality, making it both grounded and aspirational in its implications.