Matthew vs. Mathew – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling for the popular male given name is Matthew, with two ‘T’s. “Mathew” is a common misspelling that omits one of the ‘T’s. Always use “Matthew” when referring to the name to ensure accuracy and proper orthography.
Matthew or Mathew – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “Matthew” and “Mathew” is straightforward: “Matthew” is the universally accepted and correct spelling of the proper noun, a male given name. “Mathew,” conversely, is an incorrect spelling, often arising from a common phonetic confusion where the double ‘T’ sound is simplified, leading to the omission of one ‘T’ in writing. This makes “Mathew” a typo or a common orthographical error rather than an alternative spelling or a different word entirely.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember that Matthew is the correct spelling, think of “two T’s for true.” The name Matthew has two ‘T’s, just like the word “true” helps you remember the correct form. Another trick is to associate it with the biblical figure, Saint Matthew, whose name is consistently spelled with two ‘T’s in all standard texts.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew | Proper Noun | A male given name of Hebrew origin, meaning “gift of Yahweh.” | “My friend Matthew is celebrating his birthday next week.” |
| Mathew | Misspelling | An incorrect spelling of the name Matthew. | “Please ensure you spell his name correctly; it’s Matthew, not Mathew.” |
How to Use Matthew
As a proper noun, Matthew is exclusively used as a male given name. It is always capitalized, regardless of its position in a sentence. It refers to an individual person and does not have different grammatical forms (like verb tenses or pluralizations) in the way common nouns or verbs do. Its usage is straightforward: it identifies a person.
Example 1: “Matthew finished his presentation with confidence, impressing the entire team.”
Example 2: “Have you seen the new movie starring Matthew McConaughey?”
Example 3: “The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.”
Etymology of the word Matthew
The name Matthew originates from the Hebrew name Mattityahu (מַתִּתְיָהוּ), meaning “gift of Yahweh” (Yahweh being the Hebrew name for God). It came into English through the Greek Matthaios and the Latin Matthaeus. The name gained significant popularity due to Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and traditionally credited as the author of the first Gospel.
Related Concepts
Understanding these related linguistic concepts can help reinforce the correct usage and spelling of names like Matthew.
- Proper Nouns: These are specific names of people, places, organizations, or things, and they are always capitalized. “Matthew” is a prime example of a proper noun.
- Common Misspellings: These are frequent errors in spelling words, often due to phonetic similarities or common transcription mistakes. “Mathew” is a common misspelling of “Matthew.”
- Orthography: This refers to the conventional spelling system of a language. Adhering to orthographic rules ensures clarity and correctness in written communication, which is why spelling “Matthew” correctly is important.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “Then Jesus went on from there and saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.” — The Gospel of Matthew
- “Matthew Flinders was an English navigator and cartographer who was the first to circumnavigate Australia and identify it as a continent.” — Historical texts about Australian exploration
- “As an actor, Matthew Broderick is widely recognized for his roles in films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Lion King.” — Entertainment news article, June 4, 2026
- “The new album by indie artist Matthew Koma, known as MK, is set to drop later this year.” — Music publication, June 4, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “Mathew” ever a correct spelling?
No, “Mathew” is not the standard or correct spelling for the given name. It is widely considered a misspelling of “Matthew.” While rare instances of individuals or historical records might show “Mathew,” it does not represent the accepted orthography.
Question 2: Why is “Matthew” spelled with two T’s?
The double ‘T’ in “Matthew” is part of its established etymology and how the name evolved through Greek and Latin from its original Hebrew form. It’s simply the conventional and historically accurate spelling that has been preserved in English.
Question 3: Are there any common nicknames for Matthew?
Yes, common nicknames for Matthew include Matt, Matty, and sometimes Theo (derived from the “theo” part of its original meaning, “gift of God”).
Conclusion
In summary, the correct and universally accepted spelling of the male given name is Matthew. “Mathew” is considered a misspelling, and its use should be avoided to maintain accuracy and professionalism. Remembering the “two T’s for true” mnemonic can help you consistently use the correct form. Pro Tip: Always double-check the spelling of proper nouns, especially names, as using the correct orthography is crucial for respect, clarity, and professional communication.
