Boy Name · Hebrew Origin
Matthew
Among 2026's most-considered baby names, Matthew keeps surfacing for the same reason: it travels well. Linguistically, Matthew carries the meaning "Gift of God", a definition that's reflective without being heavy. Matthew's Hebrew origins mean it carries pronunciation and feel from a deep historical well, not from a recent invention. Our reviewers flagged Matthew as a strong "first introduction" name: it teaches and reads cleanly in print, on a name tag, and over the phone.
Matthew holds steady in the top 100 of US name rankings, which is to say it's a widely-loved mainstream favorite. Recent SSA reporting shows usage holding firm rather than chasing a trend, a pattern parents looking for longevity tend to value highly. It pairs naturally with vintage middles and modern surnames alike, which is part of why it shows up across so many shortlists. Parents who love Matthew often also weigh Mathew, Mattie, Matt — and the Matthew name page below covers nicknames, sibling pairings, and pronunciation in detail.
Matthew meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Hebrew naming roots help connect Matthew to related Hebrew baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Matthew as M·A·T·T·H·E·W, with 7 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Matthew is a widely-loved, instantly-recognizable pick in the Top 100 tier.
Matthew variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Matthewa, Matthewe, Matthewy, Matthe.
- Nicknames: Matt and M.
- Middle names: Pair Matthew with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Matthew middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Mathew, Mattie, Matt, Mathieu, Matheo — full picks on the sibling names for Matthew guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Matthew? Browse our names like Matthew guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Matthew
What does the name Matthew mean?
Matthew means "Gift of God" and is of Hebrew origin.
What is the origin of Matthew?
Matthew originates in Hebrew naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Matthew?
Matthew has 7 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Matthew a boy's or girl's name?
Matthew is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Matthew in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Matthew sits in the Top 100 tier — a widely-loved, instantly-recognizable pick.
What names are similar to Matthew?
Names that share Matthew's sound and style include Mathew, Mattie, Matt, Mathieu, Matheo.
What middle names pair well with Matthew?
Good middle-name fits for Matthew pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Matthew is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Matthew is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Matthew?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Matthew share its rhythm without rhyming — Mathew, Mattie, Matt all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.