The name Matai is of Hawaiian origin, derived from the word 'mata' meaning 'eye,' and 'i' as a intensive particle. It is believed to have been brought back by Captain Cook during his voyages to Hawaii in the late 18th century. The name gained popularity in Polynesia and has since been embraced by communities around the world.
The name Matai experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak of 33 births both in 2012 and 2013. However, it appears that its popularity has been declining since then, with only 14 births recorded in 2023.