Matei is a Romanian male given name that is derived from the Latin name Matthias. The name Matthias means "gift of God" in Hebrew. It is believed to have been first used as a Roman family name before becoming a popular given name.
The name Matei has a rich history and has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Saint Matthias, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ according to the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. Saint Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot after his death, and he is considered the patron saint of alcoholics and hatters.
In Romania, the name Matei has been popular for generations and remains a common choice for parents today. It is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and determination, although these traits are not universally shared by all individuals named Matei.
Overall, Matei is a strong and meaningful name with a rich history and heritage. Whether it's chosen for its biblical significance or simply because it sounds appealing, this name is sure to stand out and make an impression.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Matei has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past two decades in the United States.
The name first appeared in the top 1000 baby names for boys in the year 2000 with five births recorded that year. The following year, there were also five births, indicating a consistent start to its presence on the national stage.
However, it was not until 2005 that we saw a significant increase in the number of births with the name Matei, with twelve babies being named thus that year. This marked a substantial jump from the six and seven births recorded in the previous two years.
The years 2006 to 2013 showed fluctuating numbers, ranging from six to sixteen births per year, indicating some stability but no consistent growth or decline in popularity.
However, from 2014 onwards, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Matei. The highest number of births recorded for this name occurred in 2019 with nineteen births, followed by eighteen births in 2016 and seventeen in 2015. This suggests that the name has gained some traction in recent years.
Overall, over the span of these twenty-seven years (from 1996 to 2023), there have been a total of 250 babies named Matei born in the United States. While the popularity of this name has ebbed and flowed over time, it appears that Matei has established itself as a recognizable choice for parents naming their sons in recent years.