Matthew
Meaning: Gift of God — blessed and purposefully given
Origin: Hebrew Mattityahu (מַתִּתְיָהוּ) — from mattan (gift) + Yah (God)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #4
Total births: 49,426
History: Matthew surged in the 1980s-90s to dominate Australian naming. Matthew Hayden was one of cricket's most destructive openers. Matthew Flinders circumnavigated and mapped Australia — his name is on Flinders Street Station, Melbourne's iconic landmark. In Australia, Matthew means both modern sport and colonial exploration.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2023) | #85 |
| Babies named Matthew in 2023 | 93 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 49,426 |
| Peak year | 1989 (1,583 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1957–2023 (67 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 15 spots |
Frequently asked about Matthew
What does the name Matthew mean?
Matthew means “Gift of God — blessed and purposefully given” from Hebrew Mattityahu (מַתִּתְיָהוּ) — from mattan (gift) + Yah (God) roots.
What is the origin of the name Matthew?
Matthew has Hebrew Mattityahu (מַתִּתְיָהוּ) — from mattan (gift) + Yah (God) origin. The traditional meaning is “Gift of God — blessed and purposefully given”.
How popular is Matthew in Australia?
Matthew ranked #85 in Australia in 2023 — given to 93 babies that year.
When was Matthew most popular?
Matthew peaked in 1989 with 1,583 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Matthew a boy or girl name?
Matthew is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Matthews in registered births are male.
Is the name Matthew rising or falling in popularity?
Matthew has fallen 15 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #70 in 2018 to #85 in 2023.
How long has Matthew been recorded in Australia?
Matthew appears in birth records in Australia across 67 years — from 1957 through 2023.