The name Matteo originates from the Latin name Matthaeus, which is derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu. This Hebrew name is composed of two elements: "Matit," meaning "gift," and "Yahu," referring to the Hebrew God Yahweh. The name Matteo thus carries the meaning of "gift of God" or "given by God."

In its Latin form, Matthaeus, the name was adopted by early Christian communities and spread across the regions influenced by the Roman Empire. It became a popular name among early Christians, particularly in Italy, where it evolved into the Italian variant Matteo.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name can be found in the New Testament of the Bible, where it is used for the apostle Matthew, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew was a tax collector before becoming a follower of Jesus and is credited with writing one of the four Gospels.

Throughout history, there have been numerous notable individuals named Matteo. One of the earliest was Matteo Reni, an Italian Baroque painter born in 1552 and known for his religious works and mythological scenes.

In the 13th century, Matteo Visconti was a prominent Italian nobleman who became the Lord of Milan in 1287. He played a crucial role in expanding the power and influence of the Visconti family in northern Italy.

During the Renaissance period, Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) was an Italian Jesuit priest and one of the founding figures of the Christian mission in China. He was influential in introducing Western science, philosophy, and religion to the Chinese imperial court.

In the world of literature, Matteo Bandello (1485-1561) was an Italian writer and novelist known for his collection of novellas, which served as inspiration for works by William Shakespeare and other playwrights.

More recently, Matteo Renzi (born in 1975) is an Italian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Italy from 2014 to 2016, becoming one of the youngest leaders in the country's history.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Matteo, reflecting its enduring popularity and significance across various cultures and time periods.