Matthew meaning and etymology

The name "Matthew" has its origin in the Hebrew name "Matityahu," which means "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God." The name is derived from the Hebrew elements "mattan," meaning "gift," and "yah," referring to the Hebrew God. The biblical figure of Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament. The name carries strong connotations of divine blessing and favor, reflecting the belief that the child is a precious gift from God.

Pronounciation

The name "Matthew" is pronounced as MATH-yoo. The stress is on the first syllable, and the "th" is pronounced as in the word "the." Regional pronunciation variants may include slight differences in stress or vowel sounds.

Gender usage

The name "Matthew" is predominantly used for males. While it has historically been a masculine name, there has been a growing trend of using it for girls in recent years, albeit less commonly.

Traits

Individuals named "Matthew" are often associated with traits such as reliability, intelligence, and a strong sense of responsibility. They are perceived as dependable and trustworthy, with a natural inclination towards leadership and problem-solving.

Trends

In the United States, "Matthew" has been consistently popular, ranking in the top 100 names for boys for several decades. It peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, and while its popularity has decreased slightly, it remains a well-liked and frequently used name.

Popularity

The name "Matthew" has shown consistent popularity over the years, with fluctuations in its ranking but a steady presence in the top 100 names for boys. It is likely to continue being a well-liked and frequently chosen name in the future.

Sociolingustic usage

The name "Matthew" is commonly used in English-speaking countries and is associated with a sense of tradition and stability. Its usage can be influenced by cultural and societal factors, reflecting a preference for timeless and enduring names.

Geographical distribution

The name "Matthew" is prevalent in English-speaking regions, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It may have variations in pronunciation and popularity in different cultural and linguistic contexts.

Compatability initials

The name "Matthew" pairs well with a wide range of surnames and middle names due to its classic and versatile nature. It also forms harmonious initials with many surnames and middle names.

Famous quotes

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." - The Gospel of Matthew

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker