Matteo

Matteo is a masculine given name of Italian origin. It is the Italian form of Matthew, derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning “gift of Yahweh” or “gift of God.” The name has been common in Italian-speaking regions since the Middle Ages and remains popular in Italy and among Italian communities worldwide.

In Italian usage, Matteo is associated with Saint Matthew, the Evangelist, and is frequently used across Italian culture. The name appears in various forms across languages: Mateo is common in Spanish and Portuguese, Matheus in Portuguese, and Mathieu in French. A common Italian nickname for Matteo is Teo.

Notable people named Matteo include Matteo Ricci, a 16th- to 17th-century Jesuit missionary who worked in China; Matteo Renzi, a politician who served as Prime Minister of Italy from 2014 to 2016; Matteo Berrettini, a professional tennis player; Matteo Salvini, a politician and leader of the Lega party; Matteo Darmian, a professional footballer; and Matteo Manassero, a professional golfer. The name is widely used in modern Italy and in Italian diaspora communities, reflecting its long-standing cultural and religious associations.