Mathew or Matthew: Which Spelling Is Correct?

“Matthew” is the correct and standard spelling of the name; “Mathew” is usually a misspelling except in rare surnames.

Many people hesitate when writing the name Mathew or Matthew. Both spellings look almost identical, and when spoken aloud, they sound the same. This makes the confusion very common in school records, emails, certificates, resumes, and online forms.

People often search for mathew or matthew because using the wrong spelling can cause real problems. A misspelled name on an exam paper, legal document, or official ID can create confusion or even rejection. That’s why it’s important to know which spelling is correct and why.

In this article, you’ll learn the true difference between Mathew and Matthew, their origin, spelling history, British vs American usage, common mistakes, everyday examples, comparison tables, FAQs, and clear guidance on which spelling you should use with confidence.

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Mathew or Matthew – Quick Answer

• Matthew → ✅ Correct and standard spelling
• Mathew → ❌ Usually incorrect

Example:

• His name is Matthew.
• Mathew is rarely used and often a mistake.

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Meaning of Matthew

Matthew is a proper noun.

It is:

• A male given name
• A biblical name
• A common name in English-speaking countries

The name Matthew means:

• “Gift of God”

It has been used for centuries and remains popular today.

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Meaning of Mathew

Mathew is not a standard spelling of the name.

It appears only:

• As a rare surname
• Due to spelling errors
• In a few regional or family-specific cases

In normal usage, Mathew is considered incorrect when referring to the first name.

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Origin of the Name Matthew

The name Matthew comes from:

• Hebrew: Mattityahu
• Meaning: “Gift of God”

It passed through:

• Greek: Matthaios
• Latin: Matthaeus
• Old English: Matthew

Throughout history, the spelling with double T and E-W became standard.

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Why “Matthew” Has Two Ts

The double T comes from:

• The Greek and Latin forms of the name
• Traditional spelling carried into English

English kept the spelling Matthew to stay close to its historical roots.

Removing one T changes the standard form.

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British English vs American English

There is no difference between British and American English for this name.

English Type	Correct Spelling
British English	Matthew
American English	Matthew
Australian English	Matthew
Canadian English	Matthew

Mathew is not standard in any major English variety.

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Mathew vs Matthew: Comparison Table

Feature	Matthew	Mathew
Correct spelling	✅ Yes	❌ No
Common first name	Yes	No
Found in dictionaries	Yes	No
Biblical usage	Yes	No
Official documents	Yes	No

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Always use Matthew unless:

• It is someone’s legal surname
• The person clearly spells their name as “Mathew”

For general writing, examples, stories, and content:
👉 Matthew is the only correct choice

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Common Mistakes with Mathew or Matthew

Mistake 1: Dropping one T

❌ His name is Mathew
✅ His name is Matthew

Mistake 2: Assuming both are acceptable

❌ Mathew is an alternate spelling
✅ Matthew is the standard spelling

Mistake 3: Using Mathew in formal writing

❌ Certificate issued to Mathew
✅ Certificate issued to Matthew

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Matthew in Everyday Examples

In Emails

• Hi Matthew, please check the file.
• Thank you, Matthew.

In School

• Matthew scored highest in class.
• The award goes to Matthew.

In News

• Actor Matthew starred in the film.
• Matthew won the championship.

In Formal Documents

• This document belongs to Matthew.
• Signed by Matthew Johnson.

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Famous People Named Matthew

The standard spelling appears everywhere:

• Matthew McConaughey
• Matthew Perry
• Matthew Broderick
• Matthew Stafford

This confirms Matthew as the accepted spelling worldwide.

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Is Mathew Ever Correct?

Yes, but only in rare cases:

• As a last name
• As a family-specific spelling

Example:

• John Mathew (surname)

Outside of these cases, Mathew is incorrect.

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Matthew vs Similar Names

Name	Correct	Notes
Matthew	✅	Standard
Mathew	❌	Misspelling
Matthieu	✅	French
Mateo	✅	Spanish
Matteo	✅	Italian

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Matthew in Religion and History

The name Matthew is well known because of:

• Saint Matthew
• One of the twelve apostles
• Author of the Gospel of Matthew

Religious texts always use the Matthew spelling.

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Google Search Behavior

Search data shows:

• “Matthew” is searched far more than “Mathew”
• Searches for “Mathew” often come from spelling confusion
• “Matthew spelling” is a common query

Search engines recognize Mathew as a typo in most cases.

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Matthew in SEO and Writing

For blogs, articles, and educational content:

• Always use Matthew
• Avoid Mathew
• Correct spelling builds trust

Using incorrect name spellings reduces credibility.

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Pronunciation of Matthew

Pronounced as:
MATH-yoo

The pronunciation does not change spelling rules.

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Memory Trick to Remember the Correct Spelling

Think simple:

• Matthew has two Ts, like two hands receiving a gift
• The name means “gift of God”

This makes the correct spelling easier to remember.

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Can You Use Mathew in Fiction?

You can, but:

• Readers may think it’s a mistake
• It may distract from the story

Using Matthew avoids confusion.

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FAQs: Mathew or Matthew

1. Is Mathew ever correct?

Only as a rare surname.

2. Is Matthew British or American?

Both use Matthew.

3. Why does Matthew have two Ts?

Because of its historical Greek and Latin roots.

4. Is Mathew in the dictionary?

No, not as a standard first name.

5. Can I spell my name as Mathew?

Yes, if it’s your legal name.

6. Is Matthew a biblical name?

Yes, it comes from the Bible.

7. Is Mathew accepted in formal writing?

No, unless it’s a surname.

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Final Verdict

The difference between Mathew and Matthew is clear. Matthew is the correct and accepted spelling of the name in English. Mathew is usually a spelling mistake and should be avoided in formal, academic, and professional writing.

If you want accuracy, clarity, and correctness, always choose Matthew. It is the standard spelling recognized worldwide and the one readers expect to see.

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