Origin and Meaning of Matei

Meaning & Origin

Gift of God

Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu, which means 'gift of God'.

Interesting Facts

  • Matei is a Romanian variant of the name Matthew, and it's commonly used in Romania and among Romanian communities.
  • In Romanian culture, the name is often associated with religious significance, as it is linked to St. Matthew, one of the apostles.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Matei Basarab, a 17th-century ruler (Voivode) of Wallachia, who is credited with significant contributions to Romanian culture and statehood.
  • In Romania, Matei has become a popular name, often ranking among the top names for boys in recent years.
  • Variations of the name include Mateusz (Polish), Matteo (Italian), and Matthieu (French), all stemming from the same root.