Origin
Mattea originates from the Latin name 'Matthaeus', meaning 'gift of God'. It has roots in Christian tradition, associated with Saint Matthew, one of the apostles. The name has been adopted across various European languages, with the Italian variation 'Mattea' becoming popular in Australia through Italian immigrant communities.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'gift of God'. In the Australian context, it carries connotations of blessing and divine favour, often admired for its melodious sound and spiritual significance.
Pronunciation
/mætˈtɛɪə/ (Australian English, with emphasis on the second syllable) .</br> The pronunciation stresses the second syllable, with a soft 'a' sound similar to 'cat' in Australian English.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Matteo (masculine variant)
- Matteah (less common variant)
- Mattei (alternative spelling)
Nicknames
- Matty
- Tea
- Mattea
Name Days
- 21 September (Feast of Saint Matthew)
- 21 September (Catholic and Anglican calendars)
- 21 September (Eastern Orthodox calendar)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with mattea:
- Charlotte and Mattea
- Sophie and Mattea
- Emily and Mattea
Fun Facts
- Mattea is a popular name among Italian-Australian communities due to Italian immigration in the 1950s and 60s.
- The name gained international fame through the American singer Mattea, famous in country music circles.
- In Australia, the name is often associated with warmth and creativity.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name mattea:
- creative
- warm-hearted
- spiritual
- artistic
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and melodic, the name looks appealing in both formal and casual contexts. The spelling with double 't' and 'a' gives it a balanced, symmetrical visual appeal.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban areas with significant Italian-Australian communities such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. Less frequent in rural regions but steadily gaining popularity across the country.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8, indicating strength and leadership qualities, often associated with success and material achievement in numerology. Suitable for those born under Capricorn or Scorpio.
Astrological Connections
Associated with the Capricorn zodiac, emphasising discipline and ambition, or Scorpio for depth and intensity. The name is ideal for individuals born in late December through late January or October to late November.
Historical Context
While the name is rooted in Biblical and European tradition, in modern Australia, it is often chosen by families of Italian descent or those seeking a distinctive, elegant name. It has appeared in Australian literature and media as a symbol of artistic personality.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well into multiple languages, maintaining phonetic consistency. In non-Latin scripts, it is transliterated with similar phonetic sounds, e.g., Матеа in Cyrillic.
Famous People Named mattea
- Mattea Roach (Canadian-American quiz show champion, popularly known in Australia due to international media)
- Mattea Valenti (Australian actress and singer)
- Mattea Sweeney (Contemporary Australian artist)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2014 | 1 |