Matej

Matej is a male first name that is considered a West and South Slavic variant of the biblical name Matthias. It means "given by JHWH (God)" or "gift of God." In the Czech Republic, the name is written as Matěj.

What does the name Matej mean?

The first name Matej is a Slavic derivative of the biblical Matthias and carries the meaning "given by JHWH (God)" or "gift of God." In the Czech Republic, it is written as Matěj. The name is widespread in the West Slavic countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as in the South Slavic countries Slovenia and Croatia. International variants of Matej or Matthias include Matthew (English), Mathieu and Matthieu (French), Mathijs and Matthijs (Dutch), Maciej (Polish), and Matti (Finnish).

Where does the name Matej come from?

The name Matej originates as a Slavic form of Matthias from the ancient Hebrew name Matitjahu. This is composed of the words "mattath" for "gift" and "jahwe" for "God."

How do you pronounce Matej?

The pronunciation of Matej is sonorous and consists of two syllables. In German pronunciation, the name is usually pronounced as "Ma-tej" [maˈteɪ], starting with an open A sound. The final syllable contains a diphthong, giving the name a dynamic touch. The gentle ending provides a certain lightness. Matej conveys a modern and lively impression – a name with clear structure and fresh radiance.

When is the name day of Matej?

The name day of Matej is celebrated on February 24 to commemorate the Apostle Matthias. Additionally, it is observed on September 4 (Orthodox) in memory of Saint Gorazd of Prague (Matěj Pavlík).

Popularity

In Germany, the name Matej enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 525th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best ranking was achieved in 1996 at 227th place. Over the last ten years, Matej has been chosen as a first name about 650 times, placing it 744th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 826th. Additionally, here are the latest rankings of Matej in the name charts of various countries.

Nicknames & pet names

Mat / Mata / Mathe / Mato / Mattse

Similar first names

Famous people

• Matej Asanin (Croatian handball player)
• Matej Bor (Slovenian writer)
• Matej Cernic (volleyball player from Italy)
• Matej Delac (football goalkeeper)
• Matej Gnezda (Slovenian cyclist)
• Matej Izvolt (Czech football player)
• Matej Jakubek (footballer from Slovakia)
• Matej Jonjic (Croatian footballer)
• Matej Jurco (Slovak cyclist)
• Matej Kochan (Czech footballer)
• Matej Kosorin (Slovak football player)
• Matej Krajcik (Slovak football player)
• Matej Kral (Czech footballer)
• Matej Krusic (basketball player from Slovenia)
• Matej Mamic (basketball player)
• Matej Mavrič (Slovenian football player)
• Matej Mavric (footballer from Slovenia)
• Matej Mitrovic (Croatian football player)
• Matej Mohoric (Slovenian cyclist)
• Matej Podlogar (Yugoslav football player)