Matai

“Matai is of Hawaiian and Maori origin, deriving from both cultures' spiritual contexts”

Hawaii origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#6392US 2023

14Births / yr

↓Falling

404All-time births

📅 Since 199800

How to pronounce Matai

MAH·TEYE

/ˈmɑ.ˈtaɪ/ · stress on MAH · 2 syllables

“Matai is of Hawaiian and Maori origin, deriving from both cultures' spiritual contexts”

Hawaii origin · Boy name

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 #6392 in the US.

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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 Grace

How popular is Matai right now?

Falling — down 349 spots — currently #6392 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#6392 · Top 4.7%

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Matai

Best Year2005Rank #3927

Peak Count26

Average Rank#5716

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range2005 - 20237 years

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:

Noah Jacob Liam Mason William

Matai by decade

Matai peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	19
2000s	130
2010s ★	243
2020s	12

💎Matai has only 404 total recorded births since 1998 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Matai?

Common

MatMatieMaty

What names sound and feel like Matai?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matai also consider these

Makai

Hawaii · the traverse, the

Mathai

Israel · gift of God

Macai

American · From the meadow

Swahili · People who speak

Matais

Hebrew · The name Matais

Majai

Middle Eastern countries · King or leader

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 M AA1 T AY1. 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.