Matei is of Romanian origin and means "gift from God". It's a popular male given name in Romania, as well as other Eastern European countries like Bulgaria and Moldova. The name Matei is derived from the Latin name Matthias, which was borne by several early Christian saints and martyrs. In some languages, such as Spanish and Portuguese, the name is also spelled Mateo or Matheus respectively. In the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and author of the first Gospel, is venerated on September 21st. The name Matei has gained international popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and its association with historical and religious figures. It's often associated with intelligence, creativity, and determination, though it's important to note that these traits are not inherent to those named Matei but rather perceptions based on cultural associations and personal experiences.
"The name Matei experienced a steady increase in popularity between 2008 and 2014, peaking at 17 births in 2016. However, it has since declined, with only 6 births recorded in 2023."