Mattheu
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 118 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Mattheu, you're looking at a name that fewer than 118 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The open, approachable ending gives Mattheu a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Mattheu is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Mattheu is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a variant spelling of Matthew — from the Hebrew Mattityahu meaning 'gift of God.' Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel.
The Mattheu spelling reflects a European, possibly French or Occitan, variant of the name. It offers the deep biblical resonance of Matthew with a slightly continental, medieval flavor that feels both ancient and distinctive.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Mattheu is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1969–2011). Its Hebrew roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 118 total births, Mattheu exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Mattheu has 17+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1969.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 7 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 44 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 27 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 32 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 8 | — |
The Story of Mattheu
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1988, Mattheu is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Mattheu are most likely born between 1978 and 1998.
How rare is Mattheu?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Mattheu is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1969, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2000s with 44 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Mattheu by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(17 years, 1969–2011)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 7 | #10370 |
| 2007 | 9 | #8668 |
| 2006 | 6 | #11564 |
| 2005 | 6 | #10999 |
| 2003 | 7 | #9288 |
| 2001 | 9 | #7297 |
| 2000 | 7 | #8796 |
| 1999 | 10 | #6337 |
| 1995 | 6 | #8501 |
| 1994 | 5 | #9759 |
| 1993 | 6 | #8317 |
| 1988 | 10 | #4652 |
| 1985 | 5 | #7212 |
| 1983 | 7 | #5274 |
| 1982 | 5 | #7008 |
| 1980 | 5 | #6904 |
| 1969 | 8 | #3488 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mattheu a boy's or girl's name?
When was Mattheu most popular?
How popular is the name Mattheu?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1969–2011