Mateo: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Mateo is a male name of Spanish origin, deriving from Hebrew roots, meaning "gift of God". It has surged in popularity in the US over the past two decades, becoming a top 10 name.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Spanish (from Hebrew) |
| Meaning | Gift of God |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | mah-TAY-oh |
Etymology of Mateo
Mateo is the Spanish form of Matthew, which derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu (מַתִּתְיָהוּ), composed of two elements: mattan ("gift") and Yah (short form of Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God). The name is traditionally interpreted as meaning "gift of God" or "gift of Yahweh".
The name entered Spanish through the Latin Matthaeus and Greek Matthaios, forms used in the New Testament for the apostle and gospel writer. While Matthew became the dominant English form, Mateo evolved as the standard Spanish variant, maintaining closer phonetic ties to the original Greek pronunciation.
In Spanish-speaking cultures, Mateo has been in use for centuries as a traditional Christian name, though its explosive growth in English-speaking countries is a more recent phenomenon, driven by increasing Hispanic cultural influence and a broader trend toward Spanish-language names.
History of Mateo
Origins and Early Use
Mateo has been used in Spanish-speaking regions since the medieval period as the standard translation of the biblical name Matthew. As a name honoring the apostle and gospel writer, it carried strong religious significance throughout Catholic Spain and Latin America.
Rise to Popularity
The name remained relatively rare in the United States until the late 20th century. Its rise correlates with several demographic and cultural shifts:
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s-1990s | Growing Hispanic population in US | Introduction of Mateo into mainstream American consciousness |
| 2000s | Cross-cultural name trends | Non-Hispanic families begin adopting Spanish forms of traditional names |
| 2010s-2020s | Celebrity influence (athletes, actors) | Mateo becomes a top 50, then top 10 name |
The name's ascent has been remarkably rapid: from outside the top 2000 in the 1960s to #7 in 2024. This trajectory reflects both demographic change and a broader American embrace of Latinate name forms.
Modern Usage
Mateo is currently one of the most popular boys' names in the United States, consistently ranking in the top 10 since the early 2020s. Its appeal crosses ethnic and linguistic boundaries, chosen by both Spanish-speaking and non-Spanish-speaking families.
Key insight: This name rose because of increasing Hispanic cultural influence combined with a preference for familiar biblical names in fresh phonetic forms, and has stabilized as a mainstream American choice that bridges cultural traditions.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Mateo when they want to convey religious heritage and cultural appreciation, especially in contexts involving family tradition, biblical values, and modern multicultural identity.
Variants of Mateo
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Matthew | Traditional English form |
| French | Matthieu | French variant |
| Spanish | Mateo | Standard Spanish form (this entry) |
| German | Matthias, Matthäus | German variants |
| Italian | Matteo | Italian cognate, very similar |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Matt, Matty, Teo, Mate (Spanish)
Similar Names
- Matteo - Italian cognate, identical meaning
- Matthew - English equivalent
- Matias - Related Spanish/Scandinavian form
- Theo - Shares the "-eo" ending and similar sound
Mateo Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | - | - |
| 1920s | #1533 | 25 |
| 1940s | #2151 | 12 |
| 1960s | #2276 | 14 |
| 1980s | #2335 | 22 |
| 2000s | #428 | 572 |
| 2020s | #20 | 9,004 |
| 2024s | #7 | 11,302 |
Peak: 2023, ranked #6 (11,279 births)
Current (2024): #7 (11,302 births)
Trend analysis: The dramatic rise from obscurity to top 10 status reflects both demographic shifts and cross-cultural name adoption. The name's peak in 2023 suggests it may be stabilizing rather than continuing to climb.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Mateo as a Username
Availability
"mateo" as a username is likely taken on major platforms due to the name's high current popularity, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | mateo | Professional |
| With numbers | mateo99, mateo24 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | mat, teo | Social media |
| Stylized | xmateo, mateox, mteo | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Mateo as an ID tends to project:
- Modern yet traditional - because it combines biblical heritage with contemporary popularity
- Cross-cultural awareness - because it signals familiarity with Hispanic culture
- Approachable and friendly - because of its soft phonetics and rising familiarity
Best for: Personal brands, creative fields, social media where cultural fluency is valued
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to avoid associations with current generational trends.
Is Mateo good for a username?
Mateo works well as a username if you value modern appeal, cultural richness, and biblical heritage. However, due to its top 10 popularity, you will likely need variations like mateo24, xmateo, or teo to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Mateo mean?
Mateo means "gift of God" from Hebrew, through Spanish adaptation of the biblical name Matthew.
Is Mateo popular?
According to SSA data, Mateo ranks #7 in the US (2024) with over 11,000 births. It is currently stable at peak popularity after a rapid rise over two decades.
What are nicknames for Mateo?
Common nicknames: Matt, Matty, Teo, Mate (Spanish).
Is Mateo a boy's or girl's name?
Mateo is traditionally and overwhelmingly a male name, with no significant usage as a female name in English or Spanish-speaking cultures.
How do you pronounce Mateo?
Mateo is pronounced mah-TAY-oh in Spanish. In English-speaking contexts, it is often pronounced muh-TAY-oh or MAT-ee-oh.
Is Mateo good for a username?
Mateo works well as a username if you value modern multicultural appeal and biblical meaning, though high popularity means variations will likely be needed for availability.
Related Names
- Matthew - English equivalent, same Hebrew origin
- Matteo - Italian cognate, nearly identical
- Theo - Shorter Greek name meaning "God", often preferred for digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026