Matthew is the epitome of a fashionable classic. It is a safe and sturdy choice for the boy’s parents. Selecting a middle name for Matthew will be challenging for the parents as the chosen middle name should be elegant but shouldn’t overshadow the name. In this article, you will get precisely what you want.
Origin of the name Matthew
It is a vernacular form of the New Testament Greek name Matthias, Matthaios, originated from the Hebrew name Matityahu. In Latin, it is taken by Matthias and Matthaeus. And thus, it became Matthew in English.
It is the name of an evangelist, Jesus’ apostle, and the author of the first gospel in the New Testament.
Meaning of the name Matthew
This biblical name has a beautiful meaning; that’s why Christian parents have admired it for decades. Matthew means the gift of Yahweh or the gift of God.
List of cute middle names for Matthew
Matthew is a name with eminent innocence and an engaging personality. Middle names for this moniker also demand the same sophistication and elegance. Below mentioned list of elegant middle names will ease the process of selecting a middle moniker for your baby named Matthew.
Traditional middle names perfect for Matthew
A classical name like Matthew will be greatly enhanced by a similar middle name. Classical names are strong, and these names usually have historical roots and associations. You can choose a middle name from the list below for your little one.
- Matthew Albert {German}-Noble, bright, famous
- Matthew Arthur {Celtic}-Bear or Thor
- Matthew Austin {English}-Great
- Matthew Bryce {English}-Speckled
- Matthew Benedict {Latin}-Blessed
- Matthew Bernard {German}-Strong, brave bear
- Matthew Clark {English}-Cleric
- Matthew Campbell {Scottish}-Crooked mouth
- Matthew Ezekiel {Hebrew}-God will strengthen
- Matthew Eric {Scandinavian}-Everlasting ruler
- Matthew Fergus {Scottish}-Supreme man; highest choice
- Matthew Franklin {English}-Free landholder
- Matthew Gregory {Greek}-Watchful
- Matthew Gilbert {French}-Bright promise
- Matthew Grant {Scottish}-Great
- Matthew Harvey {English, French}-Battle Worthy, Strong
- Matthew Holt {Old English}-Forest
- Matthew Harrison {English}-Son of Harry
- Matthew Jasper {English}-Treasurer
- Matthew Keith {Scottish}-Woodland, forest
- Matthew Lyle {French}-The Island
- Matthew Lawrence {Latin}-From Laurentium
- Matthew Neil {Gaelic}-Champion
- Matthew Reginald {Latin}-Ruler’s advisor
- Matthew Russell {English}-Little red
- Matthew Scott {Old English}-A Scotsman
- Matthew Tobias {Hebrew}-God is good
- Matthew Valentine {Latin}-Strong and Healthy
- Matthew Wallace {French}-Welshman
- Matthew Wilfred {English}-Desiring peace
Popular and unique middle names perfect for Matthew
Every parent wants to give a unique and popular name to his/her baby. This applies not only to the first moniker but also to the second name. So, here we are with a list of popular and unique names for your little one.
- Matthew Adam {Hebrew}-Son of red earth
- Matthew Anthony {Roman}-Priceless
- Matthew Aaron {Hebrew}-Strong
- Matthew Benjamin {Hebrew}-Son of the right hand
- Matthew Christian {Latin}-Follower of Christ
- Matthew Connor {Irish}-Lover of wolves
- Matthew Christopher {Greek}-Bearer of Christ
- Matthew David {Hebrew}-Beloved
- Matthew Daniel {Hebrew}-God is my judge
- Matthew Edward {Old English}-Wealthy guard
- Matthew Gabriel {Hebrew}-God is my strength
- Matthew Henry {French}-House ruler
- Matthew Hunter {English}-One who hunts
- Matthew James {Hebrew}-Supplanter
- Matthew Jack {English}-God is Gracious
- Matthew Jacob {Hebrew}-Supplanter
- Matthew Joseph {Hebrew}-God will add
- Matthew Kai {Hawaiian, Japanese, Frisian, Greek}-Sea, shell, warrior
- Matthew Kayden {Gaelic}-Son of Cadan
- Matthew Lee {English}-Meadow
- Matthew Liam {Irish}-Strong-willed warrior
- Matthew Logan {Scottish}-Little hollow
- Matthew Mason {French}-Stone-worker
- Matthew Noah {Hebrew}-rest or peace
- Matthew Oliver {Old Norse}-Ancestor’s descendants
- Matthew Ryan {Irish}-Little king
- Matthew Robert {German}-Bright fame
- Matthew Thomas {Hebrew}-Twin
- Matthew Wesley {English}-Western meadow
- Matthew Wyatt {English}-Strong, brave
- Matthew William {Old German}-Resolute protector
Unisex middle names that go with Matthew
Matthew is a masculine name, and a unisex name will light up this name. Below are some unisex names that greatly complement Matthew.
- Matthew Alex {Greek}-Defender
- Matthew Archer {English}-Bowman
- Matthew Bay {French}-Auburn-haired
- Matthew Baker {English}-Occupational name
- Matthew Brett {Celtic}-Breton, From Brittany
- Matthew Kim {English}-Warrior chief
- Matthew Paisley {Scottish}-Church or Cemetery
- Matthew Reid {English}-Red-haired
- Matthew Sage {Latin}-Wise
Related Article: Middle names for Thomas
Tips for choosing a middle name for John
Below are some tips that you can follow while giving middle names to your baby.
1. Family tradition
Some families have specific customs and traditions of baby-naming i.e., same middle names, honoring a deceased relative or alive loved one, etc. Discussing any traditions before starting the search will save you time and energy.
2. Determine your style
Determine if you choose a classical or modern name and what type of middle name you want to complement the first name.
3. Say it out loud
After selecting a middle name, pronounce it multiple times with different tones and manners. This will give you an idea of how it will sound, and it should be a piece of music to your ears.
4. You can select two middle names
Both partners may want to give different names to the baby and have strong and sentimental affiliations with the chosen name. In order to avoid conflict, you can also select two middle names, and yes, this is a thing.
5. Enjoy the process
Selecting a name is a stressful process. But it should also be an enjoyable experience for both partners. If you are getting too stressed, step back, take deep breaths, and take it easy.
The popularity of the name Matthew
This name is popular way before the 1900s. However, as per the Social Security Administration USA records, this name has been popular among parents since the 1900s. From the year 1981 to 2006, this name remained among the first five most popular boy names.
After 2006, it experienced a slight decline in popularity but still held a steady position on the charts. In the year 2020, it was in the 30th position among the 1000 most popular boys’ names, and in that year, 8052 boys were given this name.
This name has a widespread usage since the 12th century. Matthew is also a trendy name in England, Ireland, Canada, Scotland, and Australia.
An interesting fact
This is exclusively considered a masculine name. However, to your surprise, it was once also popular as a feminine name.
According to Social Security Administration USA, it gained popularity as a girl’s name in 1972 and remained on the charts till 1989.
This name was used mainly by Christian parents for their baby girls; however, it didn’t gain much approval because of its non-feminine aura and quickly went off the charts.
Different ways to spell Matthew
Although Matthew is a classic name, it is versatile. You can change its spellings without compromising the pronunciation. Following are a few variant spellings of this name.
- Mathieu
- Matthieu
- Matthaeu
- Mateu
- Matheo
- Mateo
Cultural variations of the name Matthew
Because of its biblical roots, this name is popular in various cultures and languages.
- Matevos (Armenia)
- Matthaios (Biblical Greek)
- Mattithyahu (Biblical Hebrew)
- Mattheus (Biblical Latin)
- Mateu (Catalan)
- Mateo (Croatian)
- Matthias (Dutch)
- Matti (Finnish)
- Matheo (French)
- Mathias (Norwegian)
- Matvey (Russian)
- Matteo (Italian)
- Mateusz (Polish)
- Matic (Slovene)
- Mattias (Swedish)
You can always choose from these name variants if you find Matthew too mainstream.
Endnote
This article covers the origin and meaning of Matthew’s name, along with different ways to spell this name and variants of this name across different cultures and languages. You will then get to know the popularity of this name in the USA. After that, there is a comprehensive list of middle names.