Last Name Matthew

Learn more about the origin of the last name Matthew

The meaning and origin of the last name Matthew

The surname Matthew originated from the Hebrew name "Matityahu" meaning "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God." It is derived from the combination of the Hebrew words "matan" which translates to "gift" and "yah" referring to the divine name Yahweh or God. Matityahu was an ancient Jewish masculine name found in the Old Testament. Over time, this name evolved into different forms in various languages, including Matthew in English. The name gained popularity due to the influence of Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Saint Matthew is credited for authoring the first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew. This popularity led to the adoption of Matthew as a surname. The surname Matthew is still prevalent today, carried by individuals of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds who can trace their ancestry to ancient Hebrew origins or the Christian tradition.

Geographical distribution of the last name Matthew

The last name Matthew is predominantly found in the United Kingdom. It is primarily concentrated in areas with Scottish and Irish descent, such as Scotland and Northern Ireland. Within Scotland, significant populations can be found in the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as in the western regions. The name Matthew also has a notable presence in England, particularly in the southwestern part of the country, including Cornwall and Devon. Additionally, there are Matthew families scattered across Wales, further enhancing the name's distribution within the British Isles. Outside of the UK, the last name Matthew can also be found in various English-speaking countries with connections to British colonial history, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Although a global distribution of the name does exist, its highest concentration remains within its traditional roots in the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Matthew

The last name Matthew has several variations and spellings, which can be attributed to different regions and cultures. One common variation is Matthews, with an added "s" at the end. This variation reflects the English tradition of adding "s" to surnames to indicate a family or lineage. Another variation is Mathew, without the second "t," which is often seen in Indian and Middle Eastern cultures. This spelling is derived from the biblical name "Matthew" and is prevalent in countries like India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. Other less common variations include Mathews, Matthieu (French), Matveev (Russian), and Matias (Spanish). The surname's adaptability can be attributed to its popularity worldwide and its ability to integrate into various languages and naming conventions.

Famous people with the last name Matthew

Famous individuals with the last name Matthew include prominent figures from various fields. Starting with actors, there is Dave Matthew, a well-known American actor and comedian recognized for his work in film and television. In the music industry, Dave Matthews, spelled slightly differently, is a renowned musician and frontman of the Dave Matthews Band, an influential rock group. Moving to the literary sphere, Matthew Arnold, an eminent English poet and cultural critic, left a significant impact on 19th-century Victorian society. Matthew McConaughey, an Academy Award-winning American actor, is widely recognized for his versatile performances in both mainstream and critically acclaimed films. Switching to sports, former British cricketer Michael Matthew brought glory to his team with his exceptional batting skills. Lastly, Andrew Matthew, a prolific author specializing in self-help and motivational books, has inspired readers around the world with his insightful writings. These are just a few famous individuals with the last name Matthew, representing their respective fields with talent and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Matthew

The surname Matthew has an ancient and distinguished lineage, rooted in biblical origins. Derived from the Hebrew name "Matityahu," meaning "gift of Yahweh," it is one of the most common names in both the Jewish and Christian communities. The name is notably associated with the apostle St. Matthew, author of the first gospel in the New Testament. The surname Matthew can be traced back centuries, with notable historical figures carrying the name. Ancestral records indicate that the Matthews family spread across various regions, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Immigrants bearing the name Matthew migrated to different parts of the world, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, adding to the global diversity of the surname. Throughout its extensive history, the Matthew name has spanned generations, maintaining a rich heritage and cultural significance that continues to be celebrated to this day.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Matthew"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 7 June 2025