Mattel first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Mattel has been for the last 7 years (from 2018 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Mattel

An English given name derived from the surname Mattel, originating from the French word "matel" meaning "small hammer".

Popularity of Mattel by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Mattel is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mattel.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 0 8
2022 0 5
2021 0 6
2020 0 5
2018 0 5

The history of the first name Mattel

The name Mattel has its origins in the French language and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the French word "matel," which means "mattress" or "bed." This suggests that the name may have been originally associated with occupations related to bedding or sleeping accommodations.

One of the earliest known references to the name Mattel can be found in the historical records of the city of Marseille, France, dating back to the 13th century. A merchant named Mathieu Mattel was mentioned in a document from 1247, indicating that the name was already in use during that period.

In the 14th century, a notable figure named Jehan Mattel was a prominent member of the guild of mattress makers in Paris. His name appears in several guild records from the late 1300s, further solidifying the connection between the name and the bedding industry.

During the Renaissance period, the name Mattel gained some prominence in Italy. A celebrated artist named Matteo Mattel, born in 1455 in Florence, was renowned for his intricate woodcarvings and furniture designs. His works can still be found in various museums and galleries across Europe.

In the 17th century, a French philosopher and writer named René Mattel (1623-1692) made significant contributions to the field of metaphysics. His seminal work, "Discourse on Method," is considered a foundational text in modern philosophy.

Another notable figure was Émilie Mattel (1795-1879), a French botanist and explorer who made groundbreaking discoveries in the Amazon rainforest. Her detailed accounts of the region's flora and fauna were widely acclaimed in scientific circles of the time.

As the name Mattel spread across Europe, it also found its way to other parts of the world. In the 19th century, a Scottish engineer named Robert Mattel (1810-1888) played a pivotal role in the construction of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.

While the name Mattel has seen a decline in popularity in recent times, it remains a part of many cultural and historical narratives, reflecting its rich and diverse heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mattel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mattel, please contact us.

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"Mattel first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/mattel-meaning-and-history/.

"Mattel first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/mattel-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 July, 2025

Mattel first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/mattel-meaning-and-history/.

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