Bear
In the Lakota language, Mato is the word for the grizzly bear, an animal revered for its strength and spiritual power. It is often found as a component in longer traditional names, such as Mato-Tope (Four Bears). In some Slavic cultures, it also serves as a diminutive form of Matej or Matija, meaning 'gift of God'.
Less common today
Mato isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #8,569 in 2016.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Mandan chief known as Four Bears
Croatian football manager and former player
Bosnian professional footballer
A character in the anime series Samurai Champloo · Samurai Champloo
