Matai Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: mah-TIE //məˈtaɪ//
Origin: Hebrew; Maori
Meaning: gift from God (Hebrew); tree (Maori)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Matai has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the name Mattathias, which means "gift of God." The Hebrew form מתתיהו (Mattityahu) was later translated into Greek as Ματθίας (Matthias) and subsequently into Latin as Mattias. This progression reflects the name's journey through various linguistic and cultural contexts before entering the English lexicon, where it appears in forms such as Matthew and Matai.
The transition into English was facilitated by the influence of the Christian tradition, particularly through the New Testament, where Matthew is one of the apostles and the author of the first Gospel, solidifying the name's significance in Christian culture. Historically, the name Matai is associated with notable figures, particularly in biblical narratives.
Mattathias, the original bearer of the name, is a significant character in the Maccabean Revolt against Hellenistic influence in the 2nd century BCE, as documented in the books of the Maccabees. His legacy is further carried by his son Judas Maccabeus, who played a crucial role in the rededication of the Second Temple, an event commemorated in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
The name's biblical connections have ensured its endurance through centuries, particularly within Jewish and Christian communities. Culturally, the name Matai carries connotations of divine favor and strength, resonating with themes of resilience and faith.
The enduring legacy of figures like Mattathias has contributed to the name's symbolic weight, representing not only a personal identity but also a connection to historical narratives of struggle and triumph. The diminutive form, Matt, is often used in various cultures, reflecting the name's adaptability and continued relevance across different contexts.
Famous people named Matai
In this section, you will find notable people named Matai. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Matai who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Matai who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Matai is a singer best known for his work in the music group Matai and his solo career.
Fictional characters named Matai
The following list of fictional characters named Matai is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Matai is a fictional character from the animated film Moana. He is a demigod who helps the titular character on her journey to save her island.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Matai, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Matai was first seen in the United States in 1998.
Matai has ranked as high as #7487 nationally, which occurred in 2012, and has been most popular in California, and Hawaii.
In the past 5 years the name Matai has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Matai is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Matai was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Matai.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 14 | 14 |
| 2024 | 17 | 17 |
| 2023 | 14 | 14 |
| 2022 | 15 | 15 |
| 2021 | 10 | 10 |
| 2020 | 12 | 12 |
| 2019 | 21 | 21 |
| 2018 | 19 | 19 |
| 2017 | 26 | 26 |
| 2016 | 23 | 23 |
| 2015 | 26 | 26 |
| 2014 | 23 | 23 |
| 2013 | 33 | 33 |
| 2012 | 33 | 33 |
| 2011 | 19 | 19 |
| 2010 | 20 | 20 |
| 2009 | 19 | 19 |
| 2008 | 17 | 17 |
| 2007 | 13 | 13 |
| 2006 | 25 | 25 |
| 2005 | 24 | 24 |
| 2004 | 16 | 16 |
| 2003 | 6 | 6 |
| 2002 | 5 | 5 |
| 2001 | 5 | 5 |
| 1999 | 12 | 12 |
| 1998 | 7 | 7 |
Top States for Matai (2018)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 | |
| HI | 5 |