Mathew is the single-t spelling variant of Matthew — a minor orthographic adjustment to one of the most enduring names in Christian naming history. Ranked #939 with a 1990 peak and 77,298 SSA records, it represents the large category of names where a small spelling difference creates a measurable distinction in records while the name itself is completely familiar.
Matthew: The Apostle and His Name
Matthew derives from the Hebrew Mattityahu, meaning "gift of God" — from mattan (gift) and Yah (God, short for Yahweh). Matthew the Apostle was a tax collector called by Jesus, who became one of the Twelve Apostles and is traditionally credited as the author of the first Gospel. That attribution — disputed by modern scholars but deeply embedded in Christian tradition — means the name Matthew has been in continuous use in every Christian community since the early church. The Hebrew naming tradition provides the root; centuries of Christian practice kept it alive across Europe and the Americas.
One T or Two?
The standard English spelling is Matthew. Mathew , one T , appears in Irish and some British naming traditions as an accepted variant (the Irish saint Mathew was a real figure), and it appears in American records as either a deliberate choice or a simplified spelling. With 77,298 total SSA records and a 1990 peak, Mathew has substantial presence in American birth data , far more than a typo would account for. Some families choose it to distinguish their child's name from the more common spelling, giving the child a subtle but real visual distinction. Browse 1990s naming trends to see when both spellings were at their peak.
Counter-Reading: The Constant Correction
Every form, every official document, every teacher's attendance sheet will write Matthew. The single-T spelling will be "corrected" automatically and constantly , this is the primary daily friction of the variant spelling choice. For families who care about spelling precision, that correction loop is exhausting. For families who deliberately chose Mathew and want the distinction maintained, it's a small price. Nicknames Matt and Matty work identically for both spellings. Compare Mathew vs. Matthew to see the SSA data difference between the two.