MATTHEW
Matthew
Origin and Meaning Matthew is a common British surname that has its roots in the Hebrew name "Matityahu," which means "Gift of God." The surname Matthew was likely adopted by individuals as a form of honour or dedication to Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
Distribution and Popularity The surname Matthew is most commonly found in Wales and southwest England, particularly in counties such as Cornwall and Devon. It is also prevalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The popularity of the surname Matthew can be attributed to the spread of Christianity and the veneration of Saint Matthew across the British Isles.
Historical Significance Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Matthew have been involved in various notable events and occupations. The name has been associated with scholars, clergy, artists, and military figures. It is a surname that carries a heritage of religious significance as well as a connection to intellectual pursuits.
Variants and Derivatives Variants of the surname Matthew include Matthews, Mathew, and Mathews. These variations have emerged over time through linguistic evolution and regional influences. Despite these variations, the core meaning of the name remains consistent across different spellings.
Famous Individuals Several notable individuals with the surname Matthew have left their mark on British history and culture. These include Sir Tobie Matthew, a prominent English courtier in the 17th century, and Sebastian Matthew, a renowned Welsh poet and playwright of the 20th century.
Modern Usage In contemporary Britain, the surname Matthew retains its popularity and is often passed down through generations as a family name. Many individuals with the surname Matthew can be found in various professional fields, including academia, business, and the arts. The enduring presence of the surname reflects its deep-rooted history and cultural significance in British society.
There are approximately 3,954 people named Matthew in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,362nd most common surname in Britain. Around 61 in a million people in Britain are named Matthew.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Anne
- Charmaine
- Elizabeth
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Maddy
- Maith
- Math
- Mathe
- Mathea
- Mathee
- Mathen
- Mathes
- Matheu
- Matheus
- Mathew
- Mathewes
- Mathews
- Mathey
- Mathhews
- Mathie
- Mathieson
- Mathieu
- Mathiew
- Mathoo
- Mathu
- Mathue
- Mathues
- Mathus
- Matte
- Mattew
- Mattews
- Matthaei
- Matthai
- Matthay
- Mattheas
- Matthee
- Matthees
- Mattheis
- Matthen
- Matthens
- Mattheou
- Matthes
- Mattheus
- Matthewes
- Matthewman
- Matthews
- Matthewson
- Matthey
- Mattheys
- Matthiae
- Matthie
- Matthies
- Matthieu
- Matthouse
- Matthus
- Matthwes
- Matthws
- Matthy
- Mattthews
- Matty
- Mauthew
- Maythew
- Methe
- Methew
- Methews
- Metthews
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.