Mateo is a name of Spanish origin that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. It is derived from the Latin name Matthias, which was originally given to babies born around the time of the Feast of St. Matthew, a Christian apostle and evangelist.
The name Mateo means "gift of God" or "meadow gift," reflecting its Latin roots. It has been associated with various saints throughout history, including Saint Matthew himself, as well as Saint Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles after his betrayal of Jesus Christ.
In Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Argentina, Mateo is one of the most popular boys' names. It has also become increasingly popular in English-speaking nations like the United States and Canada, where it often ranks among the top 100 baby boy names.
Historically, Mateo has been borne by notable figures throughout history, including several saints and martyrs from the early Christian Church. More recently, celebrities such as American actor Mateo Amaral and Mexican singer-songwriter Mateo Garza have helped popularize this charming name further.
Overall, Mateo is a strong yet Approachable name with deep roots in Christian tradition and culture. Its meaning, "gift of God," makes it an appealing choice for parents looking to give their child a name that carries positive connotations and historical significance.
Statistics show that the name Mateo has seen fluctuations in its popularity over recent years in the United States. In 2013, there were 9 babies named Mateo, followed by a decrease to 5 births in 2014. The number of newborns with this name then rose again to 7 in 2015.
After a gap of two years without data, the figure jumped back up to 9 births in 2017. Since then, it has fluctuated between 8 and 6 births annually until reaching a notable peak in 2023 with 18 babies named Mateo.
Overall, from 2013 to 2023, there have been a total of 67 births registered as Mateo in the United States. Despite these variations, it's clear that this name has maintained a steady presence among new parents' choices during this decade.