Matei is the Romanian and Bulgarian form of our Matthew, and behind these two names lies the same beautiful promise: Mattityahu, in Hebrew, means "gift of God." The namesake is prestigious—Saint Matthew, the tax collector who became an apostle and traditional author of the first of the four Gospels. A name, therefore, laden with spirituality and history, celebrated on September 21 in the West.
In Romania, Matei is a true institution, upheld by the Orthodox Church and by major national figures: the voivode Matei Basarab, Prince of Wallachia in the 17th century, or King Matthias Corvinus (Matei Corvin), a glory shared with Hungary. It is a name that is both classic and firmly identity-driven, very widespread among young Romanians today. In France, it charms with its southern, melodic sound, more original and sunny than Matthew, while maintaining the same comforting root. Elegant, sweet, rooted in two thousand years of history, Matei combines tradition and freshness.
Matei bears a name in the form of a gift—"gift of God"—and often possesses something of that solar generosity. In its Romanian form of Matthew, it combines the depth of a millennial legacy with entirely southern freshness: he is a warm, kind boy who stands out without forcing his hand. Fueled by the expressive number 3, Matei has an easy rapport, pleasant speech, and a sense for phrasing; he likes to tell stories, exchange ideas, make people laugh, and his company is one that is sought after.
But the namesake also brings a beautiful density. Saint Matthew, the tax collector who left everything to follow a voice, embodies the capacity for conversion, the courage to change one's life, and fidelity to an ideal. One finds in Matei this profound integrity beneath sociable appearances: solid loyalty, sincere attachment to values and to his loved ones. Moreover, the great Romanian figures of the name—the wise voivode Matei Basarab, the brilliant Matei Corvin—blow a wind of elegance, intelligence, and love for culture; Matei often enjoys books, ideas, and beauty.
Affectionately, he is a generous heart that gives much and likes to be accompanied. He needs bonds, complicity, a warm circle in which to unfold his enthusiasm. His sociability may be accompanied by a touch of sensitivity—he dislikes being ignored—but his good humor quickly reasserts itself. Curious, adaptable, comfortable among several cultures like his traveling name (Matteo, Mateo, Matthew...), Matei moves through life with optimism and openness. A luminous and faithful companion, gifted for shared happiness, and faithful to his promise: that of being, for those around him, a true gift.
Playful portrait, for entertainment.
Matei carries within himself the heavy and precious grace of a divine gift. In love, he does not chase shadows; he seeks essence, that deep connection that makes the soul vibrate. His seduction is not a noisy parade, but a magnetic, calm, and intense presence, like a dim light that attracts without dazzling. He offers his heart with moving frankness, considering union as a sacred pact. What electrifies him is the depth of exchange, that alchemy where spirit and body are no longer but one. On the other hand, nothing tires him more than superficiality or duplicity. For him, love is a mutual gift that demands absolute loyalty. He wants to be a refuge, but also an inspiration. If he feels the other is playing the game of appearances rather than living the present moment with raw authenticity, he withdraws, carefully guarding his inner treasure for someone who knows how to understand its true value.
It is the Romanian and Bulgarian form of Matthew, of Hebrew origin.
"Gift of God," from the Hebrew Mattityahu.
On September 21, the day of Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist (November 16 in the Eastern tradition).
Yes, Matei is simply the Romanian and Bulgarian version of Matthew.
Very widespread in Romania and Bulgaria, it remains rarer and more original in France.