Mateja
Fact sheet
- Name
- Mateja
- Gender
- Unisex name
- Syllables
- 3
Mateja (Cyrillic Матеја) is a masculine first name that is common in Serbia and is also used as a feminine form in Croatia and Slovenia. The origin of the name lies in the biblical name Matthias, which means 'gift of God', 'gift of the Lord', or 'given by JHWH (God)'.
What does the name Mateja mean?
Mateja (Cyrillic Матеја) represents the Serbian masculine form of Matthias, while in Croatia and Slovenia it is also used as a feminine first name. The meaning of the biblical name, which originates from Ancient Hebrew, is 'gift of God', 'gift of the Lord', or 'given by JHWH (God)'. In Croatia and Slovenia, the masculine equivalent Matej is used. Another South Slavic variant is Matija.
Where does the name Mateja come from?
The first name Mateja has its origin as a variation of the biblical name Matthias, which in turn derives from the Ancient Hebrew name Mattitjāhū (מַתִּתְיָהוּ). This is composed of the Hebrew words mattath (מַתַּת), meaning 'gift, present', and jhwh (יהוה), the name of God.
How do you pronounce Mateja?
The pronunciation of Mateja is three syllables and fluid. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Ma-te-ja' [maˈteːja]. The name begins with an open A sound, which conveys a warm tone. The middle syllable, containing a long E, provides a calm sound stretch, while the ending '-ja' adds a gentle, gliding movement. Overall, Mateja sounds harmonious and melodious – modern, international, and present.
When is the name day of Mateja?
The name day for Mateja is celebrated on February 24 to commemorate the Apostle Matthias.
Popularity
In Germany, the name Mateja enjoys great popularity and currently ranks 1,506th in the list of the most common male first names. In the last ten years, Mateja has been given as a first name about 130 times, placing it 2,021st in the ten-year statistics. For the period from 2010 to 2024, it stands at rank 2,303. Information on the global popularity and frequency of Mateja is also available.
Nicknames & pet names
Teja
Famous people
- Mateja Bulut (Croatian footballer)
- Mateja Kezman (Serbian football player)
- Mateja Kralj (rower from Slovenia)
- Mateja Matejic (Serbian writer)
- Mateja Matevski (Turkish poet)
- Mateja Nenadovic (Serbian historian)
- Mateja Robnik (Slovenian alpine skier)
- Mateja Slatnar (badminton player from Slovenia)
- Mateja Svet (Slovenian alpine skier)
- Mateja Zver (football player from Slovenia)
Frequently asked questions about the name Mateja
What is the origin of the name Mateja?
Mateja is a variation of the biblical name Matthias, which has its origin in the Ancient Hebrew name Mattitjāhū. The name is common in various Slavic languages, particularly in Croatian, Serbian, and Slovenian.
For which gender is the name Mateja suitable?
Mateja is predominantly a boy's name, but it is also used as a feminine first name in Croatia and Slovenia. This makes it versatile.
Are there suitable nicknames for Mateja?
A popular nickname for Mateja is Teja. This is short and affectionate, making it suitable for everyday use.
How is the name Mateja pronounced?
Mateja is generally pronounced as 'Ma-te-ja'. The emphasis is often on the second syllable, which gives the name a melodic sound.