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Mateo Boy

Popularity: #7 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmah-TEH-oh / məˈteɪ.oʊ

Spanish; Italian

Meaning

Spanish: gift of God; Italian: derived from Matthew

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Mateo is derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning "gift of God." This name was adapted into Greek as Matthaios and subsequently into Latin as Matthaeus. The transition into the Romance languages occurred through the Old French form, which influenced the Spanish Mateo. This linguistic evolution highlights the name's deep roots in biblical tradition, as it is associated with Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the author of the Gospel of Matthew, which is a significant text in Christian scripture dating back to the 1st century CE.

Historically, the name Mateo has been borne by various notable figures, particularly in the context of Christianity. Saint Matthew, celebrated on September 21, became a prominent figure in the early church, and his feast day has been recognized since at least the 4th century. The name's biblical association contributed to its use across different cultures and languages, especially in regions influenced by Christianity. The Vulgate, a late 4th-century Latin translation of the Bible, further solidified the name's presence in Western Christian tradition.

Culturally, Mateo carries connotations of faith and divine favor, resonating with the idea of being a gift from God. This significance has allowed the name to endure through centuries, often appearing in religious texts, art, and literature. In Spanish-speaking cultures, Mateo is sometimes used in conjunction with diminutives like Matías, which also has biblical roots. The name's historical and cultural resonance has ensured its continued relevance, reflecting a blend of linguistic heritage and spiritual significance.

Trend Summary

Mateo has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Matteo
  • Matheus
  • Matteus

International Variants

  • Matteo (Italian)
  • Matheus (Portuguese)
  • Matteus (Dutch)
  • Matías (Spanish)

Famous people named Mateo

Mateo Kovačić is a professional footballer best known for playing with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and the Croatian national team.

Mateo Messina is a composer best known for his work on films such as The Last House on the Left, The Conjuring, and The Nun.

Fictional characters named Mateo

Mateo is a fictional character from the TV series The Good Place. He is a resident of the afterlife who navigates the complexities of morality and personal growth.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Mateo was first seen in the United States in 1904. Mateo has ranked as high as #13 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Mateo has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Mateo (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 2,360
22%
TX 2,087
19%
FL 802
7%
IL 476
4%
AZ 420
4%
NY 398
4%
NC 317
3%
GA 282
3%
WA 253
2%
VA 210
2%
IN 190
2%
NV 187
2%
PA 176
2%
OH 174
2%
MD 165
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19045
19127
19139
19146
191615
191812
191914
192025
19218
192216
192315
192418
192512
192617
192716
192810
192925
193018
193111
193211
193412
193512
19368
19376
193813
193911
194012
194111
19428
194314
19448
194513
194614
19479
194811
194912
195014
195110
19529
195316
195514
195616
195713
19587
195917
196014
196114
196411
196611
196713
196812
196927
197019
197118
197228
197323
197426
197542
197624
197736
197838
197931
198022
198130
198234
198345
198442
198546
198621
198738
198840
198952
199056
199165
199260
199364
199483
1995125
1996231
1997340
1998409
1999577
2000572
2001727
2002766
2003876
2004961
20051,089
20061,270
20071,227
20081,408
20091,594
20101,624
20112,204
20122,840
20133,588
20143,743
20155,029
20166,558
20177,774
20188,221
20199,019
20209,004
20219,177
202210,389
202311,279
202411,302