Mateo

Mateo is a masculine given name widely used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking cultures. It is the Spanish form of Matthew, which derives from the Hebrew Matityahu, meaning “gift of Yahweh” or “gift of God.” The name entered Latin through Matthaeus and was transmitted into Spanish as Mateo; Italian uses Matteo, while Portuguese uses Mateus.

In the Christian tradition, the name is associated with Saint Matthew, one of the four evangelists, whose feast day on September 21 has helped sustain the name’s popularity in Christian communities. As a result, Mateo is a common choice for boys in Spain, Latin America, and other parts of the world with Hispanic influence. It is also used by immigrant families and in multicultural societies.

Variants and related names include Matteo (Italian) and Mateus in Portuguese and other languages; diminutives and affectionate forms may vary regionally. The form Mateo is typically pronounced with two syllables, ma-TE-o, with the emphasis on the second syllable in many Spanish-speaking communities.

Notable people named Mateo span sports, arts, and public life, and the name appears in literature and media as a given name. It is also used in place names and organizations in some Spanish-speaking regions, reflecting its cultural reach.