Matthew

מַתִּתְיָהוּ

• Gender: Male
• Origin: Biblical English
• Meaning: gift of God

• Most people think of Matthew as simply a classic English name, but its origins run straight back to the Hebrew Matityahu, the priest who ignited the Maccabean revolt that gave us Hanukkah. The name means "gift of God," and it traveled from ancient Judea through Greek and Latin before becoming one of the most beloved names in the English-speaking world. That remarkable journey from priestly rebel to universal classic is part of what makes Matthew so special.

  Familiarity is actually this name's superpower — Matthew never needs explanation yet carries a quiet Jewish story underneath. From Matthew Broderick lighting up Broadway and Hollywood to countless Matthews in every generation, the name proves you never outgrow a true classic. It moves through any room while honoring the Maccabees, no pronunciation guide required.

• Alternate Spellings: Mathew
• Hebrew Equivalent:
  Matityahu
• Potential Sibling Name:
  Rebecca
  ,
  Leah
  ,
  Michael
  ,
  Simon
• Theme: God