"gift of Yahweh"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Mateo
Pronunciation: [ m-aht-AY-oh ]
Boy Name
#7 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
The apostle's name with an international swagger
Spanish
Italian
Latin American
Modern
Bold
Earthy
Strong
Meaning & Origin
"gift of God, gift of Yahweh"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Spanish
"devoted to God"
Origin: Aramaic interpretation
Language: Spanish
The Story of Mateo
Mateo is the Spanish and Italian form of Matthew, from the Hebrew 'Mattityahu' meaning 'gift of Yahweh' (gift of God). Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and traditionally the author of the first Gospel. Mateo entered widespread use in the United States as Latin American immigration brought Spanish-origin names into the mainstream, and it has been climbing steadily as a fresher alternative to the classic Matthew.
Mateo entered the US top 20 around 2015 and has been one of the fastest-rising boy's names since. It reflects the growing embrace of Spanish-origin names in mainstream American culture, partly driven by demographics and partly by a preference for names that feel international and vibrant.
In Spanish-speaking cultures, Mateo has been a beloved name for centuries, tied to the Apostle Matthew's role as patron saint of tax collectors, accountants, and bankers. The Italian form Matteo is equally popular in Italy and carries the same apostolic heritage.
Fun Facts
- Mateo entered the US top 10 boy's names in 2022, reflecting the growing influence of Spanish-origin names
- Matthew/Mateo appears in the Bible as one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel
- The Italian form Matteo and Spanish Mateo are now both independently popular in the US
Mateo in Other Languages
French
Matthieu
Hebrew
Mattityahu
English
Matthew
Italian
Matteo
Portuguese
Mateus
Famous People Named Mateo
M
Mateo Arias
Actor
1995
American actor known for Kickin' It on Disney XD
M
Mateo Kovacic
Athlete
1994
Croatian professional footballer who has played for Real Madrid and Chelsea
M
Matteo Renzi
Politician
1975
Former Prime Minister of Italy
M
Matthew McConaughey
Actor
1969
Academy Award-winning American actor known for Dallas Buyers Club
S
Saint Matthew
Religious
One of the twelve apostles of Jesus and traditional author of the Gospel of Matthew
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #7
- Total SSA Count
- 11,302
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Teo
Matt
Matteo
Pairs Well With
Mateo James
Mateo Alexander
Mateo Thomas
Mateo Gabriel
Mateo Luis
Mateo Antonio
Mateo Joseph
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Mateo is also used as a girl name, ranked #26170.
View Mateo as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mateo
What does the name Mateo mean?
"gift of Yahweh" (from Hebrew). "gift of God, gift of Yahweh" (from Hebrew). "devoted to God" (from Aramaic interpretation). Mateo is the Spanish and Italian form of Matthew, from the Hebrew 'Mattityahu' meaning 'gift of Yahweh' (gift of God). Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and traditionally the author of the first Gospel. Mateo entered widespread use in the United States as Latin American immigration brought Spanish-origin names into the mainstream, and it has been climbing steadily as a fresher alternative to the classic Matthew.
What is the origin of the name Mateo?
Mateo has Hebrew, Aramaic interpretation, Spanish, Italian, and Latin American origins. In Hebrew, it means "gift of Yahweh". In Hebrew, it means "gift of God, gift of Yahweh". In Aramaic interpretation, it means "devoted to God".
Is Mateo a boy or girl name?
Mateo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #7. As a girl name, it is ranked #26170. Mateo is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mateo?
Mateo is pronounced m-aht-AY-oh.
How popular is the name Mateo?
Mateo is currently ranked #7 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mateo?
Common nicknames for Mateo include Teo, Matt, and Matteo.
What are good middle names for Mateo?
Popular middle name pairings include Mateo James, Mateo Alexander, Mateo Thomas, Mateo Gabriel, Mateo Luis, Mateo Antonio, and Mateo Joseph.
What are good sibling names for Mateo?
Names that pair well with Mateo as siblings include Isabella, Camila, Sofia, Luna, Diego, Sebastian, and Lucas.
How many syllables does Mateo have?
Mateo has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Mateo a common or rare name?
Mateo is a very popular name, ranked #7 among boy names in the United States.
About the Name Mateo
Mateo is a boy name with Spanish, Italian, and Latin American origins . The name means "gift of Yahweh" in Hebrew .
Is Mateo a boy or girl name? Mateo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #7 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #26,170. Mateo is more commonly used as a boy name.
Mateo is currently ranked #7 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mateo has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-aht-AY-oh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Mateo include Teo, Matt, and Matteo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mateo include Mateus . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.