Mateo: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Matteo mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Spanish: Gift of God
Hebrew: Gift from Yahweh; gift of God
Greek: Devoted to God

Gender: Male

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Mateo is pronounced mah-TAY-oh

The name Mateo has roots in both Spanish and Hebrew cultures, including the Hebrew name Mattiyahu. In Spanish, it is derived from the name Matthew, which means "gift of God." In Hebrew, it translates to "gift from Yahweh." The name is widely associated with religious and cultural significance and has been carried by many notable figures throughout history.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Spanish: from the personal name Mateo (see Matthew).

Mateo in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Mateo Santos from All My Children - Mateo Santos is a beloved character from the popular soap opera, known for his charming personality and complex storylines.
Mateo Liwanag from Superstore - Mateo Liwanag is a character in the TV series Superstore, known for his ambitious nature and witty remarks as an employee at Cloud 9.
Mateo Chavez from Queen of the South - Mateo Chavez is a character in the TV series Queen of the South, where he plays a critical role in the drug trade storyline.
Mateo de Silva from Jane the Virgin - Mateo de Silva is the adorable son of the protagonist, Jane, in the TV series Jane the Virgin, and plays a significant role in the plot.
Mateo Suarez from Elena of Avalor - Mateo Suarez is a young wizard in the animated series Elena of Avalor, who helps Princess Elena protect her kingdom.

Popularity of the Name Mateo

According to Social Security Administration data, Mateo has become increasingly popular in recent years. As of 2023, Mateo ranks among the top 20 most popular baby names in the U.S. This name, of Spanish origin meaning "gift of God," has seen a significant rise, reflecting broader cultural trends and the growing influence of Hispanic heritage in American society. It is also the Latinate form of Matthew. Historically, Mateo traces back to the Biblical figure Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles.

Notable individuals with this name include actor Mateo Arias and singer Mateo Camargo. Fictional characters named Mateo can be found in popular media, such as Mateo Santos from the soap opera All My Children and Mateo Liwanag from the series Jane the Virgin.