Mataj

Boy Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/məˈtɑːj/

Mataj: a male name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh". It derives from the Hebrew word "mattithyâh / mattithyâhû > Mattathías / Matthaíos > MATTHIAS".

Mataj is a masculine name that means "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh". Its Hebrew origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.

Quick Facts About Mataj

Quick facts about Mataj
OriginHebrew
GenderBoy name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

mattithyâh / mattithyâhû > Mattathías / Matthaíos > MATTHIAS

How to Pronounce Mataj

Mataj is pronounced /məˈtɑːj/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Mat-aj
  2. Say it like: "MOOHTAHY"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Mataj is predominantly used in slovene speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

slovene
Name Relationships

Mataj is a variant form of Matej, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mataj
What does the name Mataj mean?
Mataj means "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys.". The name comes from mattithyâh / mattithyâhû > Mattathías / Matthaíos > MATTHIAS. In its original form, the name derives from Mattithyâh (מַתִּתְיָה) Mattathías (Ματταθίας) Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Mataj for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Mataj's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Mataj?
Mataj is a hebrew name. The name traces back to mattithyâh / mattithyâhû > Mattathías / Matthaíos > MATTHIAS. The original form Mattithyâh (מַתִּתְיָה) Mattathías (Ματταθίας) Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to slovene naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Mataj developed as a form of Matej, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Mataj a boy or girl name?
Mataj is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In hebrew tradition, Mataj has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Mataj?
Mataj is pronounced "/məˈtɑːj/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Mataj is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Mataj can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root mattithyâh / mattithyâhû > Mattathías / Matthaíos > MATTHIAS influences how Mataj sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Mataj?
Mataj is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Mataj offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Mataj's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Mataj holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Mataj?
Mataj is a form of Matej. Over time, Matej developed into several variations, with Mataj emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In hebrew tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Mataj might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In slovene, Mataj may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Mataj commonly used?
Mataj is used primarily in slovene naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Mataj found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Mataj into their naming traditions. A child named Mataj will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Mataj is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Mataj?
Mataj carries associations with BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew name “Mattithyâh / Mattithyâhû,” transliterated into Greek as “Mattathías (Ματταθίας),” which was shortened to “Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος),” meaning “gift of the lord, gift of Yahweh.” 1) It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian theology and is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name Matthew became popular during the Middle Ages in North-West Europe and appeared in many European languages. The name has been very common throughout the English-speaking world since the 1970s. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on September 21 (Catholic Church) or November 16 (Orthodox Church) in memory of Saint Matthew, Apostle, and Evangelist. 2) Matthew of Albano († 1134) was a French Benedictine monk and Cardinal and papal legate. He is a Catholic saint. 3) Matteo Maria Boiardo (1434–1494) was an Italian Renaissance poet. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2016, the name Matthew ranked 15th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby boys." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Mataj originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Mataj sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Mataj often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In slovene communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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