Matthew is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, although its modern English form passed through several languages. It ultimately derives from the Hebrew Mattityahu or Mattithiah, formed from elements referring to a gift and Yahweh, the personal name of the God of Israel. Its traditional meaning is therefore gift of Yahweh, commonly rendered more generally as gift of God.

The name developed through Greek Matthaios and Latin Matthaeus. Old French forms such as Mathieu helped carry it into England, where it was established after the Norman Conquest and remained in use throughout the Middle Ages. Matthew and Matthias are historically related forms, though Christian tradition treats the New Testament figures bearing those names as different apostles. International relatives include Matthieu in French, Matteo in Italian, Mateo in Spanish, Mateus in Portuguese, and Matej or Matei in several Central and Eastern European languages. Matt and Matty are familiar English diminutives.

Much of the name’s historical prominence comes from Matthew the Apostle, traditionally identified as an evangelist and the author associated with the Gospel of Matthew. This biblical connection helped the name spread widely through Christian societies and gave it enduring religious and literary importance. Because of its etymological meaning, Matthew is often symbolically associated with gratitude, blessing, divine favor, and the idea that a child is a precious gift. These associations are cultural interpretations of the name rather than predictions about an individual’s character.