Mathieu
A boy's name of French origin with 2,397 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
a male given name, variant of Matthieu
Mathieu is a boy's baby name of French origin, the French form of Matthew, from the Hebrew Mattityahu meaning 'gift of God.' Where Matthew carries the weight of English ecclesiastical tradition, Mathieu wears the same meaning with unmistakable Gallic elegance.
Mathieu is the standard spelling in France, Quebec, and French-speaking communities worldwide. It carries a sophisticated internationalism — the name of French athletes, artists, and intellectuals — while remaining rooted in one of Christianity's most beloved saints. For parents who love Matthew but want something that feels more distinctly European, Mathieu is the natural choice.
EtymologyShow more
Mathieu is built from 7 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the French naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Mathieu creates its characteristic open, approachable quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Mathieu was #1849 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #4266, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 166 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 443 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 638 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 512 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 359 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 203 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 64 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 12 | — |
The Story of Mathieu
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2000, Mathieu is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Mathieu are most likely born between 1990 and 2010.
How rare is Mathieu?
Only about 1 in every 144,000 babies born in 2024 was named Mathieu — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1955, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2000s with 638 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Mathieu by the numbers
- Would fill 50 school buses
- Meeting one Mathieu per day would take 6.6 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(63 years, 1955–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 25 | #4266 |
| 2023 | 24 | #4418 |
| 2022 | 36 | #3314 |
| 2021 | 44 | #2845 |
| 2020 | 37 | #3109 |
| 2019 | 33 | #3462 |
| 2018 | 40 | #2977 |
| 2017 | 36 | #3229 |
| 2016 | 55 | #2379 |
| 2015 | 47 | #2631 |
| 2014 | 52 | #2452 |
| 2013 | 39 | #2930 |
| 2012 | 55 | #2345 |
| 2011 | 49 | #2537 |
| 2010 | 37 | #3114 |
| 2009 | 70 | #2001 |
| 2008 | 61 | #2200 |
| 2007 | 44 | #2750 |
| 2006 | 76 | #1817 |
| 2005 | 54 | #2226 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mathieu a boy's or girl's name?
When was Mathieu most popular?
How popular is the name Mathieu?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1955–2024