The name Matthews is derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, which means "gift of Yahweh." The name first appeared in the Bible as Mathitbyah, a variant spelling of Mattityahu. It later evolved into the Greek form Matthias, from which the English name Matthew is derived.

Matthews is a patronymic version of the name, meaning "son of Matthew." It emerged in the Middle Ages as a way to distinguish individuals by their father's name. This naming convention was particularly common in English-speaking cultures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Matthews can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. It lists several individuals bearing the name, indicating its usage in medieval England.

Over the centuries, many notable figures have borne the name Matthews. One of the most famous was St. Matthew the Evangelist, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament.

Another significant figure was Sir Tobie Matthews (1577-1628), an English courtier and diplomat who served as a Secretary of State under King James I. He was known for his involvement in the Gunpowder Plot and his efforts to promote religious tolerance.

In the realm of art, Waldo Peirce Matthews (1870-1949) was an American painter and illustrator known for his works depicting Native American subjects. His paintings are held in collections at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

The name also has a connection to sports, with Walter Ray Matthews (1886-1984), an American baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from 1908 to 1920. He was a member of the Chicago Cubs team that won the World Series in 1908.

In the field of literature, William Matthews (1942-1997) was an American poet and essayist who served as the editor of the literary journal Poetry East. He was the author of several acclaimed poetry collections, including Rising and Falling and Time & Money.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have borne the name Matthews throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence across various cultures and disciplines.