Matai
A masculine Samoan name meaning "supreme chief".
Name Census estimates that about 456 living Americans carry the first name Matai. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Matai today is around 14 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Matai births was 2012 (33 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Matai. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
456
~ 1 in 751,654 Americans
Peak year
2012
33 babies that year
Average age
14
years old
2024 SSA rank
#5,563
Tracked since 1998
Popularity
Matai: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Matai from the 1990s through to the 2020s, spanning 4 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 243 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 2010s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Matai by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Matai during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Matais live
Origin
Meaning and history of Matai
The name Matai has its origins in the Polynesian languages of the Pacific Islands, particularly in Samoa and Tonga. It is derived from the Proto-Polynesian word "matai," which means "chief" or "leader." The name has been in use for centuries, dating back to the ancient civilizations of these island nations.
In Samoan culture, the matai is a highly respected position within a family or village. It is a title bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated leadership qualities, wisdom, and a deep understanding of traditional customs and values. The matai serves as the head of an extended family and plays a crucial role in decision-making processes, conflict resolution, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Matai can be found in the oral traditions and legends passed down through generations in Samoa and Tonga. These stories often featured prominent matais who were revered for their bravery, wisdom, and guidance in times of conflict or hardship.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Matai. One such figure was Matai'i Tokelau, a renowned Samoan chief and navigator who lived in the late 18th century. He was celebrated for his exceptional seafaring skills and his role in facilitating the spread of Polynesian culture across the Pacific islands.
Another prominent Matai was Matai'ulua Ioane Susuga, a Samoan chief and orator who lived in the 19th century. He was highly regarded for his eloquence and his ability to resolve disputes through diplomacy and dialogue. His name is still invoked in Samoan oratory as a symbol of wisdom and persuasive speech.
In the realm of Tongan history, Matai'ulua Fusitu'a was a revered chief and warrior who lived in the 16th century. He was known for his military prowess and his role in defending the Tongan islands from external threats. His legacy has been celebrated through oral traditions and historical accounts.
Matai Saleufi, a Samoan chief and political leader, played a significant role in the early 20th century during the struggle for independence from colonial rule. He was a vocal advocate for Samoan self-determination and worked tirelessly to preserve the traditions and sovereignty of his people.
In more recent times, Matai Mulinuu served as the head of state of Samoa from 1962 to 1963. He was a respected matai and played a pivotal role in the country's transition to independence from New Zealand.
The name Matai continues to hold great significance in Polynesian cultures, particularly in Samoa and Tonga, where it is deeply rooted in the traditions and histories of these island nations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership, wisdom, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
People
Matai + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Matai as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with M
Other first names starting with M with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Matai: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Matai?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 456 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Matai going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 751,654 US residents.
Is Matai a common name?
We classify Matai as "Very Rare". It ranks above 83.7% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 460 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Matai most popular?
The single biggest year for Matai was 2012, when 33 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Matai is about 14 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Matai a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Matai in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.