Matej

What does the baby name Matej mean? Learn about what Matej means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Matej - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Matej: M-A-T-E-J, is a 5-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Matej: MAHT-yey
Meaning of Matej: Gift from god, god's present.
Origin of Matej: The name 'Matej' has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly in Slovene, Croatian, and Slovak cultures. It is a variant of the name 'Matthew', which is derived from the Hebrew name 'Matityahu', meaning 'gift of Yahweh'. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to ancient biblical times, where Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.; Czech Names; Hebrew Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Matej: Macias; Macie; Macisk; Mat; Mata; Matai; Matejek; Matejicek; Mateo; Mateusz; Mathe; Matheu; Mathian; Mathias; Mathieu; Matias; Matousek; Mats; Matt; Mattaeus; Mattaus; Matteo; Matthaus; Matthew; Matthias; Matthiew; Mattias; Matty; Matui; Matya; Matyas; Matz; Mayhew; Thies
Popularity of Matej: Over time, the popularity of the name 'Matej' has experienced fluctuations. In the early centuries, it was predominantly used within religious contexts, particularly among Christian communities. However, during the 20th century, the name gained wider recognition and became more prevalent in Eastern European countries. Notable spikes in its usage can be observed during periods of cultural and nationalistic revivals.; Matej currently has 2 likes, and is in the top 10% of liked boy's names. The name Abayomi is slightly more popular than Matej.

Etymology of Matej

The etymology of 'Matej' can be traced back to its Slavic origins. The name is derived from the Old Slavic word 'mati', meaning 'mother', and the suffix '-ej', which denotes possession or belonging. Therefore, 'Matej' can be interpreted as 'belonging to the mother' or 'mother's gift', reflecting the importance of maternal love and influence in Slavic cultures.

Cultural Significance of Matej

The name 'Matej' holds particular cultural significance in Slovene, Croatian, and Slovak communities. In these cultures, names are often chosen to honor family members or to preserve ancestral traditions. By naming their child 'Matej', parents may seek to pay homage to their heritage or express their desire for the child to embody qualities associated with the biblical Matthew, such as wisdom, righteousness, and devotion.