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Home › Baby Names Directory › Matvei

Matvei

♂ Boy

Pronounced mut-VYAY /mɐtˈvjej/Medium

Meaning: Matvei is the Russian form of Matthew, from Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of God'. It is a long-standing Russian classic that has returned strongly to favor in recent decades.Medium

In 30 seconds: Matvei is the Russian Matthew — 'gift of God' — a classic back in full favor (said 'mut-VYAY').
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Origin MediumRussian, Hebrew
MeaningMatvei is the Russian form of Matthew, from Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of God'. It is a long-standing Russian classic that has returned strongly to favor in recent decades.
U.S. rank (2024)#13480 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 79

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201820092024

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

Matvei is the Russian form of Matthew, from Hebrew Mattityahu — 'gift of God' — carried into Slavic naming through the Orthodox Church and the evangelist Matthew. Long traditional, it has enjoyed a strong revival in Russia and travels as a heritage name elsewhere. Also spelled Matvey (said 'mut-VYAY').

It appears rarely in the U.S., mostly in Russian-speaking families. Rare here, popular there.

Did you know? Matvei is Russia's Matthew, from the Hebrew root Mattityahu, 'gift of God' — an old name that has surged back into the top ranks for Russian boys (said 'mut-VYAY').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Matvei — Russian form of Matthew; Hebrew 'gift of God'

Variations

MatveyMatthewMatei

Nicknames

MattMotya

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Matvei…

Matthew— the parent name in English
Maxim— a like Russian classic
Nikita— a matching Russian boys' pick
Lev— a short Russian counterpart

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Matvei mean?

Matvei is the Russian form of Matthew, from Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of God'.

How do you pronounce Matvei?

It's said mut-VYAY /mɐtˈvjej/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Matvei a boy or girl name?

Matvei is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Matvei?

Matvei is rare in the U.S., though it is a leading name for boys in Russia.

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