What does Matai mean and where does it come from?
Matai is of Hawaiian and Maori origin, deriving from both cultures' spiritual contexts. In Hawaiian, the name conveys the meanings of divine gifts or presence. In Maori, it holds a similar significance. The name is less common but has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among people who
Cultural significance
Matai has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hawaiian.
Peak popularity
Reached #3322 in 2013 — currently #6325 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Matai?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Matai?
Matai works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Matai Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Matai John
One syllable · timeless choice
Matai Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Matai Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Matai Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Matai Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Matai right now?
Falling — down 748 spots — currently #6325 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6325 | 14 | ▼ down 748 · -18% births |
| 2024 | #5577 | 17 | ▲ up 815 · +21% births |
| 2023 | #6392 | 14 | ▼ down 349 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #6043 | 15 | ▲ up 1908 · +50% births |
| 2021 | #7951 | 10 | ▼ down 1121 · -17% births |
| 2020 | #6830 | 12 | ▼ down 2769 · -54% births |
| 2015 | #4061 | 26 | ▲ up 747 · +30% births |
| 2010 | #4808 | 20 | ▼ down 881 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #3927 | 24 | — |
The story of Matai
Matai is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1998. With 404 total births recorded, Matai remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3927 in 2005, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6392 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Matai in 2013:
Matai by decade
Matai peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 19 | |
| 2000s | 130 | |
| 2010s ★ | 243 | |
| 2020s | 43 | |
💎Matai has only 404 total recorded births since 1998 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Matai?
What names sound and feel like Matai?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matai also consider these
Common questions about the name Matai
What does the name Matai mean?
Matai means "Hawaiian" — a name rooted in Hawaii tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Matai?
Matai is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Matai?
Matai originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Matai?
Matai is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-TEYE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Matai a common or rare name?
Matai is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.