Origin
Derived from the Hebrew name Maṭṭāhəyāh, composed of the elements 'Mattathiah' meaning 'Gift of YHWH' and 'James' from the Hebrew name Ya'akov, meaning 'supplanter'. The combination 'MatthewJames' is a modern compound name popular in English-speaking countries, including Australia. These names are historically documented in biblical texts and have been common in Christian communities across Australia since European settlement, reflecting religious traditions and cultural heritage.
Meaning
Literally, 'Gift of YHWH' (Matthew) combined with 'supplanter' or 'heel grabber' (James). In Australian English contexts, it connotes a gift or blessing with a strong, traditional appeal.
Pronunciation
/ˈmæt.əmˌjamez/ (Australian English) - stressing the first syllable of Matthew, with a smooth transition to James, pronunciation similar to 'MAT-uh-yames'.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Matthias James
- Mathew James
- Mateo James
Nicknames
- Matt
- Jay
Name Days
- 24 September (Feast of Saint Matthew)
- 3 July (Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, sometimes associated with similar biblical figures)
- 21 July (Feast of Saint James the Greater)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with matthewjames:
- William and James
- Charlotte and Matilda
- George and Henry
Fun Facts
- The compound name 'MatthewJames' is among the popular double-barrelled names in Australia, often chosen for its classical and timeless appeal.
- 'MatthewJames' is frequently shortened to 'Matt' or 'Jamey' in informal contexts, with 'Matt' being particularly common among Australian children.
- The name 'Matthew' ranks consistently within Australia's top 50 male baby names over recent decades.
- The name combination is sometimes used in Australian literature and media to denote characters with traditional and reliable traits.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name matthewjames:
- Reliable
- Traditional
- Dependable
- Loyal
- Trustworthy
Aesthetic Qualities
Balanced and classic, the name has a strong visual symmetry and is easy to read and spell, fitting well into formal and informal contexts in Australian English.
Geographical Distribution
Widely used across all states and territories, with slightly higher prevalence in urban areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where traditional European names maintain popularity.
Numerological Significance
Name number 11, considered a master number associated with insight, idealism, and enlightenment in numerology, suggesting a personality inclined towards leadership and intuition.
Astrological Connections
Linked with the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Pisces, reflecting traits of optimism, compassion, and adventure, often chosen by parents with these astrological associations in mind.
Historical Context
Many notable Australians, such as athletes, politicians, and artists, bear the name Matthew or James, reflecting its longstanding popularity. Fictional characters in Australian literature and film also often carry this classic combination.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, with variants in Spanish (Mateo James), Italian (Matteo Giacomo), and French (Matthieu Jacques), though 'MatthewJames' remains predominantly Anglo-Australian.
Famous People Named matthewjames
- Matthew Riley (Author)
- James Morrison (Jazz Musician)
- Matthew Hayden (Cricketer)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2014 | 1 |