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 #6681 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Romania-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Matei?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Matei John
One syllable · timeless choice
Matei Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Matei Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Matei Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Matei Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Matei right now?
Falling — down 1313 spots — currently #6681 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6681 | 13 | ▼ down 1313 · -28% births |
| 2024 | #5368 | 18 | ▲ up 6372 · +200% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
Matei by decade
Matei peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 82 | |
| 2010s ★ | 120 | |
| 2020s | 46 | |
💎Matei has only 223 total recorded births since 1996 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Matei?
ENGLISH
MatMattMattieMatty
What names sound and feel like Matei?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Matei also consider these
How is Matei written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Matei?
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.