What does Matea mean and where does it come from?
Matea is a feminine form of the name 'Mateo' or 'Matteo,' which is the Italian and Spanish variant of Matthew. In Croatian and Slovenian cultures, it has become a popular name. The name has biblical origins and is significant in Christian contexts. Notable figures include Matea Vuković, a Croatian p
Cultural significance
Matea has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Croatia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #3230 in 2006 — currently #9876 in the US.
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Related Reading
Croatia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Matea?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Matea?
Matea works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Matea Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Matea Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Matea Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Matea Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Matea Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Matea Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Matea right now?
Falling — down 3554 spots — currently #9876 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #9876 | 10 | ▼ down 3554 · -47% births |
| 2024 | #6322 | 19 | ▼ down 1244 · -27% births |
| 2023 | #5078 | 26 | ▲ up 667 · +18% births |
| 2022 | #5745 | 22 | ▲ up 841 · +22% births |
| 2021 | #6586 | 18 | ▼ down 1434 · -25% births |
| 2020 | #5152 | 24 | ▲ up 517 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #5669 | 23 | ▼ down 1358 · -32% births |
| 2010 | #4311 | 34 | ▼ down 261 · -3% births |
| 2005 | #4050 | 35 | ▼ down 700 · -12% births |
| 2000 | #3350 | 40 | ▲ up 10312 · +700% births |
| 1995 | #13662 | 5 | ▼ down 3301 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #10361 | 7 | — |
The story of Matea
Matea entered American naming records in 1922 and has been in use for over 102 years. With 755 total births recorded, Matea remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10361 in 1990 to #5078 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Matea in 2006:
Matea by decade
Matea peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 14 | |
| 1990s | 130 | |
| 2000s ★ | 360 | |
| 2010s | 222 | |
| 2020s | 53 | |
💎Matea has only 755 total recorded births since 1922 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Matea?
What names sound and feel like Matea?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matea also consider these
How is Matea written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Matea?
Common questions about the name Matea
What does the name Matea mean?
Matea means "gift of God" — a name rooted in Croatia 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 Matea?
Matea is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Matea have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Matea?
Matea originates from Croatia tradition. Croatia 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 Matea?
Matea is a two-syllable name pronounced MAH-TEE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Matea trending right now?
Matea is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.