Mateu is the Catalan form of the name Matthew, derived ultimately from the Hebrew Mattithiah, meaning "gift of Yahweh."Etymology and Historical ContextThe name traces its roots to the biblical apostle Matthew, a tax collector who became one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and is traditionally credited as the author of the first Gospel. In Catalan-speaking regions, the name was adapted as Mateu, reflecting the local linguistic patterns that transformed the Latin Matthaeus into a vernacular form. While Matthew gained widespread popularity in English-speaking countries from the Middle Ages onward, Mateu has remained a distinctly Catalan variant, used both as a given name and a surname.Notable BearersAmong historical figures bearing the name is Mateu Morral (1880–1906), a Spanish anarchist who attempted to assassinate King Alfonso XIII in 1906. In the arts, Jaume Mateu (1382–1452) was a notable Valencian painter of the Gothic style. Modern notable bearers include Antonio Mateu Lahoz (born 1977), a renowned Spanish football referee; Marc Mateu (born 1990), a Spanish football midfielder; and Iñaki Mateu (born 1997), an Argentine rugby union player. The surname form is also common in Catalan-speaking areas, often indicating a family's historical connection to the name.Cultural SignificanceIn Catalan culture, Mateu preserves the biblical heritage of the original name while affirming regional identity. It is less common internationally than its English counterpart but maintains steady use within Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands.Meaning: Gift of YahwehOrigin: Hebrew, via Greek and LatinType: Given name and surnameUsage Regions: Catalonia, Valencia, Balearic Islands