September 21
Why this day? This is the day the name-day calendar sets aside for Saint Matthew.
A tax collector in Capernaum in the first century, in Galilee. He left his meticulous records to follow a new path, then rigorously transcribed Jesus's teachings, becoming the first evangelist.
What stays with us: One can change one's life without waiting for permission from the past. The ability to reinvent oneself while bringing order and meaning to lived experience is a universal human strength.
Source: Nominis — Église catholique en France · Wikidata · Wikipédia
🌍 Matei is celebrated France, Italy, Spain and Germany on September 21.
Matei is the Romanian and Bulgarian form of our Matthew, and behind these two first names lies the same beautiful promise: Mattityahu means "Gift of God" in Hebrew. The patron saint is prestigious – Saint Matthew, the tax collector who became an apostle and is traditionally considered the author of the first of the four Gospels. Thus, a name shaped by spirituality and history, celebrated in the West on September 21.
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 Matei Corvin (Matthias Corvinus), whose fame is shared with Hungary. It is a name that is both classic and proudly identity-forming, and is very common among young Romanians today. In France, it captivates with its southern and melodic sound, is more original and sunny than Matthieu, while preserving the same soothing root. Elegant, gentle, rooted in two thousand years of history, Matei combines tradition and freshness.
Matei bears a first name in the form of a gift – "Gift of God" – and often possesses something of this sunny generosity. In the Romanian form of Matthew, it combines the depth of a millennia-old heritage with a distinctly southern freshness: He is a warm, approachable boy who stands out without imposing himself. Nourished by the number 3, which is entirely oriented toward expression, Matei has easy rapport, a pleasant way of speaking, a sense for the right formulation; he loves to tell stories, exchange ideas, bring laughter, and his company is one that is missed.
But the patron saint also brings a beautiful density. Saint Matthew, the tax collector who left everything behind to follow a voice, embodies the ability to repent, the courage to change one's life, and loyalty to an ideal. In Matei, this deep straightforwardness is found beneath the sociable facade: solid loyalty, sincere commitment to values and to those close to him. The great Romanian figures of the name – the wise Voivode Matei Basarab, the brilliant Matei Corvin – also blow a wind of elegance, intelligence, and love for culture; Matei often loves books, ideas, and beauty.
In love, he is a generous heart that gives much and likes to be surrounded. He needs bonds, intimacy, a warm circle in which he can unfold his enthusiasm. His sociability may be accompanied by a touch of sentimentality – he dislikes being ignored – but his good humor quickly returns. Curious, adaptable, at home in various cultures like his traveling first name (Matteo, Mateo, Matthew …), Matei moves through life with optimism and openness. A radiant and faithful companion, gifted for shared happiness, and true to his promise: that of being a true gift to those who surround him.
Playful portrait, for entertainment.
Matei carries within him 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 loud parade, but a magnetic, calm, and intense presence, like a dim light that attracts without dazzling. He gives his heart with touching honesty and views union as a sacred pact. What electrifies him is the depth of exchange, that alchemy in which spirit and body become one. In contrast, nothing tires him more than superficiality or double standards. For him, love is a mutual gift requiring absolute loyalty. He wants to be a refuge, but also the breath. When he senses that the other is playing the spotlight game instead of living the present moment with raw authenticity, he withdraws and carefully guards his inner treasure for the one 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 (on November 16 in the Eastern tradition).
Yes, Matei is simply the Romanian and Bulgarian version of Matthäus.
Very common in Romania and Bulgaria, it remains rarer and more original in France.
Playful profile, for entertainment.