Mateu is the Catalan form of Matthew, a name derived from the Hebrew name Mattathia, meaning 'gift of God.' Common in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and other Catalan-speaking regions, Mateu carries the same biblical heritage as its more familiar English equivalent. The name has remained consistently used in Catalan culture throughout history, though it's relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Mateu has a warm, Mediterranean quality with its distinctive vowel ending, typical of many Catalan and Spanish names. For parents seeking a name with biblical roots but a distinctive international flair, Mateu offers a refined alternative to the more common Matthew while connecting to Catalan linguistic and cultural traditions.

Monserrat is a variant spelling of the Catalan name Montserrat. It is likely the better spelling in English-speaking countries given the correct pronunciation of the name.

Popular name in Spain drawn from the Provencal Mireio, coined by the poet Frederic Mistral. Very pretty and, though difficult to spell and pronounce, simpler than the French version.