Meaning & History
Matteo is the Italian form of Matthew, derived from the Hebrew name Mattithiah (Ματθαῖος in Greek), meaning "gift of God." The name appears in the New Testament as the name of the apostle Matthew, a tax collector and author of the first Gospel. Another Italian variant is Mattia.
Etymology and History
Matthew ultimately comes from the Hebrew Mattithiah (מַתִּתְיָהוּ), meaning "gift of Yahweh." The Greek form Matthaios entered the New Testament, where Matthew was one of the twelve apostles. In Italian, Matteo became the standard vernacular form, used since the Middle Ages alongside Mattia. The name is widespread in Italy and among Italian-speaking communities worldwide.
Notable Bearers
Several Italian figures have borne the name Matteo: Renaissance poet Matteo Maria Boiardo (1441–1494), author of the epic Orlando Innamorato; novelist Matteo Bandello (1485–1565), whose novellas inspired Shakespeare and other playwrights; and cello maker Matteo Goffriller (1659–1742), known for Venetian instruments. Modern personalities include tennis players Matteo Berrettini (born 1996) and Matteo Gigante (born 2002), footballers Matteo Ferrari (born 1979) and Matteo Guendouzi (born 1999), and Filipino actor Matteo Guidicelli (born 1990).
Usage and Distribution
Matteo is widely used in Italy and ranks among the top boys' names in parts of Europe. It is also found as a surname, especially in the forms De Matteo or DeMatteo, meaning "of Matteo." The feminine equivalent Mattea exists but is less common.
- Meaning: gift of God
- Origin: Hebrew, via Greek and Latin
- Type: Given name
- Related Forms: Matthew, Mattia, Mattea, Mateo (Spanish)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Matteo