Matisyahu
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 69 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Only 69 babies have been named Matisyahu in recorded U.S. history. That level of rarity means your child would almost certainly be the only one in their school, their workplace, and most rooms they walk into — a genuinely one-of-a-kind choice.
In the most recent SSA release, Matisyahu ranks #6060 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Matisyahu is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, the traditional Hebrew form of Matthew meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift of Yahweh,' from matan (gift) and Yah (God). Matisyahu is the Hebrew form used in Jewish communities.
The name gained cultural visibility through Jewish reggae musician Matisyahu (born Matthew Paul Miller), who performs under his Hebrew name as an expression of religious identity. For Jewish families seeking the authentic Hebrew form of Matthew, Matisyahu carries both scriptural depth and contemporary artistic association.
EtymologyShow more
Matisyahu first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1994. First appearing in the 1990s, Matisyahu emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Hebrew classification suggests a path from hebrew linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Matisyahu has 10+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1994.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 20 | #9847 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 39 | #11535 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 5 | #13696 | — |
| 1990s | 5 | #9757 | — |
The Story of Matisyahu
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Matisyahu is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Matisyahu are most likely born between 2014 and 2024.
How rare is Matisyahu?
Only about 1 in every 240,000 babies born in 2024 was named Matisyahu — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1994, peaked in the 2010s with 39 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Matisyahu by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(10 years, 1994–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15 | #6060 |
| 2022 | 5 | #13633 |
| 2018 | 6 | #11655 |
| 2017 | 5 | #13566 |
| 2016 | 10 | #7949 |
| 2014 | 5 | #13345 |
| 2013 | 5 | #13371 |
| 2011 | 8 | #9322 |
| 2007 | 5 | #13696 |
| 1994 | 5 | #9757 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1994–2024