Matei

“Romanian”

Romania origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11740US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

223All-time births

📅 Since 199600

What does Matei mean and where does it come from?

Matei is a Romanian variant of the name Matthew and has deep cultural significance in Romania, especially among Christian families. It is derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu. It has been widely used in Romania since the medieval period and often features in historical texts. Notable figures with

Cultural significance

Matei has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Romania-speaking communities, where it reflects values of romanian.

Peak popularity

Reached #5073 in 2019 — currently #11740 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Matei?

Matei works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Matei Grace

How popular is Matei right now?

Falling — down 4650 spots — currently #11740 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#11740 · Top 8.7%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11740	6	▼ down 4650 · -50% births
2022	#7090	12	▲ up 1501 · +33% births
2021	#8591	9	▼ down 2768 · -40% births
2020	#5823	15	▲ up 1483 · +36% births
2015	#7306	11	▲ up 1247 · +22% births
2010	#8553	9	▼ down 2004 · -25% births
2005	#6549	12	▲ up 4928 · +140% births
2000	#11477	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Matei

Best Year2020Rank #5823

Peak Count15

Average Rank#8391

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range2000 - 20238 years

The story of Matei

Matei is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1996. With 223 total births recorded, Matei remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #11477 in 2000, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11740 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Matei in 2019:

Liam Noah Oliver William Elijah

Matei by decade

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

Decade	Births
1990s	6
2000s	82
2010s ★	120
2020s	15

💎Matei has only 223 total recorded births since 1996 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Matei?

CROATIAN

MateMatkoMato

DANISH

Mads

DUTCH

ThijsTies

ENGLISH

MatMattMattieMatty

What names sound and feel like Matei?

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

Matvei

Russia · gift of God

Makei

American · Possibly derived from

American · pure or innocent

Tadei

Hebrew · Hebrew

Raei

Iran · One who brings

How is Matei written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Matei?

Matea CROATIAN Mateja CROATIAN Mattea ITALIAN Mateja SLOVENE Yahweh THEOLOGY

Common questions about the name Matei

What does the name Matei mean?

Matei means "Romanian" — a name rooted in Romania 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 Matei?

Matei 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 Matei?

Matei originates from Romania tradition. Romania names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Matei a common or rare name?

Matei is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Matei?

Matei naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.