Matej

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAT-yay /ˈmɑ.tjɛj/Medium

Meaning: The Czech, Slovak, and Slovene form of Matthew, from the Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of God.' A widely used Slavic boys' name.Medium

In 30 seconds: A Slavic Matthew: Matej means 'gift of God' (said 'MAT-yay'). Classic across Central Europe.

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Origin MediumCzech, Hebrew

MeaningThe Czech, Slovak, and Slovene form of Matthew, from the Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of God.' A widely used Slavic boys' name.

U.S. rank (2024)#11811 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 139

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

Matej is the Slavic form of Matthew, from the Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of God,' long used in Czech, Slovak, and Slovene lands. It reads as a heritage classic, rarer in U.S. data (said 'MAT-yay').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, mostly in Central-European families. Rare here, classic in that region.

Did you know? Matej is the Czech, Slovak, and Slovene form of Matthew, from the Hebrew for 'gift of God' — a warm, classic name across Central Europe (said 'MAT-yay').

Overall data confidence 58%

References — Matej — Slavic form of Matthew; Hebrew 'gift of God'

Variations

MatthewMatteoMatyas

Nicknames

MattMates

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Matej…

Matteo— a like 'gift of God' form

Matias— a like Matthew cousin

Tobias— a like Central-European classic

Lukas— a like Slavic saint-name pick

Explore names like Matej

By themehebrew heritage classic czech

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Matej mean?

Matej is the Czech, Slovak, and Slovene form of Matthew, from the Hebrew for 'gift of God.'

How do you pronounce Matej?

It's said MAT-yay /ˈmɑ.tjɛj/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Matej a boy or girl name?

Matej is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Matej?

Matej is rare in the U.S. and well used in Central Europe.