Matai

Matai is a multicultural masculine name with diverse origins and meanings. In Māori culture, it means 'leader' or 'chief', reflecting leadership qualities and community respect. It also appears in Hebrew where it's a variant of Matthew, meaning 'gift of God'. In Polynesian cultures, Matai can refer to a family or community leader with decision-making responsibilities. The name has gained modest popularity in New Zealand due to its Māori heritage, while also appearing in Israel and among Pacific Islander communities. With its strong connotations of leadership and its cross-cultural appeal, Matai has become increasingly appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with meaningful roots.

Pronounced muh-TY.

As of October 2026, Matai ranked #6325 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #3315 in 2013.