I would love to eventually include a family member’s name into my son’s name, if I am lucky enough to have one. This relative tragically died in his early adulthood and never got to pass down his name, so it is extremely important to me to honor him. His name was [name]Matthew[/name] (spelled [name]Mathieu[/name], as he spoke French). I know this name is extremely popular and a bit old fashioned, so I’m not sure how current or fresh it would feel for a new baby. Is it too old and bland or is it classical enough to remain a good name? [name]Do[/name] you have suggestions for fresher variations? I really hope I can find a way to include his name into perfect name for a future son.
I believe when you have a compelling personal reason to choose a name, especially wanting to honor a loved one who’s died, questions of style and trends are secondary. [name]Matthew[/name] is always a great classic and the French version [name]Mathieu[/name] is wonderful. Other European versions – [name]Mateo[/name], [name]Matteo[/name], or [name]Matthis[/name] – are great too.
Personally, I think there can never be too many [name]Matthews[/name]. It’s a lovely name (I love the th sounds in names, which is why [name]Meredith[/name] and [name]Anthony[/name] are two of my tops) and if it honors a relative, there’s a big bonus. The only thing with [name]Mathieu[/name] is that he’ll have to spell it over and over for everyone. Go for it!
[name]Matthew[/name] is a great name.
I have one 
[name]Mathieu[/name] is lovely! [name]Matthew[/name], in English, is one I’m frankly tired of (but then, I’m barely on the dark side of 40, so that may be why). I could easily suspend the dislike in case of Honoring. [name]Mathias[/name] is my favorite form of [name]Matthew[/name] but I also like [name]Mat[/name]/teo, as [name]Pam[/name] suggested.
For me, Honoring names go in the middle (nevermind my exisiting kids have three names that honor + surname. I got lucky). My general formula is “Name I like, Honoring name, Honoring name, Surname”. Anything goes as a first name (if it honors too, all the better but is completely non necessary) and honestly? [name]Matthew[/name] is an easy one to pair, he goes with so many things, from the equally classic: [name]Alexander[/name] [name]Matthew[/name], [name]James[/name] [name]Matthew[/name], [name]Thomas[/name] [name]Matthew[/name], to the far out: [name]Boaz[/name] [name]Matthew[/name], [name]Jonty[/name] [name]Matthew[/name], [name]Jubal[/name] [name]Matthew[/name]. So I find he’s really flexible!
Good luck!
As I have come to expect, I find [name_f]Pam[/name_f]'s statements in this case, regarding honour names, to be so real, truthful and poignant.
Secondly [name_m]Matthew[/name_m] is for me personally the best of classics. You do have variation choices -I like [name_m]Mathew[/name_m] as much as any.