Matei

Meaning & origin

Matei is a Romanian masculine name that has been used in the United States since at least 1996, the earliest year on record. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 1998, reaching a peak rank of 6,446 in 2025. The name's 1-in-131,390 frequency that year reflects its rarity but growing appeal among parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional name with Eastern European heritage. Though not common enough to have a strong geographic concentration, Matei fits into the broader trend of names with Slavic and Romanian origins gaining traction in multicultural America. The name carries a clear religious meaning, 'gift of God,' linking it to the biblical Matthew, and its melodic sound distinguishes it from more common forms like Mateo or Matthew.

Matei is the Romanian form of Matthew, derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning 'gift of God'. It entered Romanian through Latin and Greek, becoming a traditional name among Romanian Orthodox Christians. The name has gained modest popularity in the United States since the late 1990s, primarily among families with Eastern European roots.