Matai

♂ Boy

Pronounced mah-TY /mɑˈtaɪ/Medium

Meaning: From Samoan matai, 'a chief, a titled family leader'; also the Maori/Polynesian form of Matthew ('gift of God', Hebrew); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A chief: Matai is Samoan for 'a chief, a family leader' (and the Polynesian Matthew). Strong, dignified, and warm (said 'mah-TY').

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Origin LowSamoan, Hebrew

MeaningFrom Samoan matai, 'a chief, a titled family leader'; also the Maori/Polynesian form of Matthew ('gift of God', Hebrew); routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#5563 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 460

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Matai comes from Samoan matai, 'a chief, a titled head of an extended family' (a central role in Samoan society) — and it is also the Maori and Polynesian form of Matthew, from Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of God' (routes layered, which we note). A strong, dignified name across the Pacific (said 'mah-TY').

In the U.S. it appears in Pacific Islander families. Rare, a-chief at the root, and dignified.

Did you know? Matai means 'a chief, a titled family leader' in Samoan — and is also the Maori/Polynesian form of Matthew, 'gift of God' (Hebrew) — a strong, dignified name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'mah-TY').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — matai — routes layered

Variations

MataioMatthew

Nicknames

Mat

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Matai…

Mateo— a sound-neighbor Matthew form

Keanu— a fellow Pacific boys' name

Mekai— lands in the same popularity range

Makai— shares Matai's Hebrew roots

Isai— shares the -ai ending

Explore names like Matai

By themeuncertain hebrew samoan

By meaningGod / Divine Gift / Blessing Leader

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Matai mean?

Matai is Samoan for 'a chief, a family leader', and the Polynesian Matthew ('gift of God'); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Matai?

It's said mah-TY /mɑˈtaɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Matai a boy or girl name?

Matai is a boy's name.

How popular is Matai?

Matai is a rare name in the U.S.