San Mateo facts for kids
San Mateo means "Saint Matthew" in Spanish. It's a very common name for many places around the world, especially in countries where Spanish is spoken or where Spanish explorers once traveled. This is because people often named new towns, rivers, or areas after important saints.
Who Was Saint Matthew?
Saint Matthew was one of the twelve main followers, or apostles, of Jesus. He is also known as Matthew the Evangelist because he is traditionally believed to have written one of the four Gospels in the Bible. His story is important to many Christians around the world.
Why So Many Places Are Named San Mateo
During the age of exploration, especially from the 15th to the 19th centuries, explorers from Spain traveled to many parts of the world. As they discovered new lands, they often named places after saints, important dates, or religious events. Naming a place "San Mateo" was a way to honor Saint Matthew and bring good fortune to the new settlement. This is why you find so many places with this name in countries like Mexico, the Philippines, and the United States, which were once part of the Spanish Empire.
San Mateo Around the World
Because of this history, you can find places named San Mateo on different continents. Each place has its own unique story and community.
San Mateo in North America
- San Mateo, California: This is a city in the United States. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area and is known for its beautiful parks and a lively downtown. The city is part of San Mateo County, California, which also carries the saint's name.
- San Mateo, New Mexico: Another place in the United States, this small community is found in the state of New Mexico.
- San Mateo Atenco, Mexico: In Mexico, there are many places named San Mateo. San Mateo Atenco is a municipality in the State of Mexico. It's famous for making shoes and leather goods.
San Mateo in South America
- San Mateo, Boyacá, Colombia: This town is located in the Boyacá department of Colombia. It's known for its beautiful mountain landscapes.
- San Mateo, Aragua, Venezuela: This town in Venezuela has historical importance. It was the site of a battle during Venezuela's fight for independence.
San Mateo in Asia
- San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines: The Philippines was a Spanish colony for a long time, so it also has many places named after saints. San Mateo in Rizal province is a busy municipality near Manila.
San Mateo in Europe
- Vega de San Mateo, Las Palmas, Canary Islands: The Canary Islands are part of Spain. Vega de San Mateo is a municipality on the island of Gran Canaria. It's known for its agricultural areas and traditional markets.
See also
In Spanish: San Mateo para niños
