Matheus

Meaning & origin

Matheus, a Portuguese variant of Matthew, entered U.S. naming records in 1988 and has since seen a steady rise in use, particularly among families with Brazilian ties. It reached its peak popularity in 2007, when it ranked higher than its current position of 2183 in 2025. The name is most common in states like Massachusetts, Florida, and New York, reflecting the Brazilian diaspora. With an incidence of 1 in 26,278 boys, Matheus remains a distinctive choice that honors biblical tradition while offering a multicultural flair. Its trajectory has been consistently rising since its debut, suggesting growing appreciation for international forms of classic names.

Matheus is the Portuguese and Latin form of the Greek name Matthaios, derived from the Hebrew Mattityahu meaning 'gift of Yahweh.' In Latin, it became Matthaeus, and in Portuguese it evolved to Mateus and Matheus. The name has been common in Portugal and Brazil, particularly among Christian families honoring Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and author of the first Gospel. It gained some popularity in the United States in the late 20th century, especially in communities with Brazilian heritage.