Matthew is the English form of the Greek name Matthaios (Ματθαῖος), which was derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu (ַמ ִתּ ְתיָהוּ ), meaning "gift of Yahweh". It comes from the elements mattan (ַמ ָתּן ), meaning "gift" and yah (יָה), referring to the Hebrew God. Matthew is a Biblical name, as in the New Testament, Matthew was an apostle and author of one of the gospels. It has been in use as an English name since the Middle Ages and reached its modern peak of popularity in the latter half of the 20th century.