Matthew

Origin

The name Matthew originates from the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattatyahu), meaning 'Gift of Yahweh'. It is a biblical name, first appearing in the New Testament as one of the twelve apostles and traditionally associated with the author of the Gospel of Matthew. In Australia, the name was introduced through British colonisation and Christianity, and has remained popular particularly within Christian communities.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'Gift of Yahweh' (God). In Australian English contexts, it connotes a sense of blessing and appreciation, often associated with kindness and reliability.

Pronunciation

/ˈmæθjuː/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on first syllable, 'MATH-yoo') — the 'th' as in 'think' and the 'u' as in 'you'. In casual speech, it might be slightly shortened to 'Matt' (/mæt/).

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 21 September (Feast of Saint Matthew)
• October 28 (Reformation Day, historically observed in some Christian communities)
• 25 December (Christmas, in Māori contexts, as part of Christmas celebrations)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with matthew:

• Matthew and Hannah
• Matthew and Olivia
• Matthew and James

Fun Facts

• The name Matthew has been consistently popular in Australia, ranking within the top 50 male baby names for the last two decades.
• The name is also associated with various Australian sportsmen and public figures, exemplifying its widespread appeal.
• There are several Australian rugby players named Matthew, contributing to the name's strong, masculine connotation in sports.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name matthew:

• Reliable
• Kind-hearted
• Intelligent
• Traditional

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and balanced, with a strong consonant start and a soft ending. Visually, it is simple, clear, and widely appreciated in Australian typography and branding.

Geographical Distribution

Most common in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting broader Australian naming trends. Slightly less common in rural and Indigenous communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and optimism, often believed to bring expressive balance to the bearer. This is based on standard numerology calculations.

Astrological Connections

Linked to the zodiac sign Virgo (August 23 – September 22), symbolising practicality and analytical skills, aligning with traits often stereotypically associated with the name.

Historical Context

Famous Australians named Matthew include Matthew Hayden (cricketer), contributing to the name's athletic association. Fictional characters like Matthew Reilly have contributed to its literary recognition.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is straightforward in many languages, retaining its form across English, Italian, and other Latin-derived languages, with variations in pronunciation.

Famous People Named matthew

• Matthew Hayden (Cricketer)
• Matthew Flinders (Explorer)
• Matthew Reilly (Author)

Popularity in Australia