Matthew
Meaning: Gift of God — a precious blessing from heaven
Origin: Hebrew Mattityahu (מַתִּתְיָהוּ) — from mattan (gift) + Yah (God)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #37
Total births: 12,256
History: From the Cliffs of Moher to the Giant's Causeway, Matthew is a name that resonates across the Irish landscape. It gained favour among families during the Celtic Tiger era when confidence in Irish identity reached new heights. The name blends perfectly with Ireland's unique mix of ancient heritage and modern ambition, heard equally in tech offices and traditional music sessions.
Explore more at Irish Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #55 |
| Babies named Matthew in 2025 | 98 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 12,256 |
| Peak year | 2007 (430 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #15 |
| Years in records | 1964–2025 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 16 spots |
Frequently asked about Matthew
What does the name Matthew mean?
Matthew means “Gift of God — a precious blessing from heaven” 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 — a precious blessing from heaven”.
How popular is Matthew in Ireland?
Matthew ranked #55 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 98 babies that year.
When was Matthew most popular?
Matthew peaked in 2007 with 430 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Matthew a boy or girl name?
Matthew is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Matthews in registered births are male.
Is the name Matthew rising or falling in popularity?
Matthew has fallen 16 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #39 in 2020 to #55 in 2025.
How long has Matthew been recorded in Ireland?
Matthew appears in birth records in Ireland across 62 years — from 1964 through 2025.