[name_m]Hi[/name_m]! We had been trying to choose between [name_u]Luca[/name_u] and [name_m]Mateo[/name_m]. The SS data has [name_m]Mateo[/name_m] as significantly more popular, which put us off, however most people on here seem to feel the other way. It seems other nameberrys know many Luca’s, but don’t know any Mateo’s, so feeling a bit confused! Has anyone else run into this?!
I would check out the ss data for your specific state for more accurate info on names you will run into every day. 
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The social security data is accurate, but names do vary in popularity within different parts of the US. You can find state-specific data that might be more accurate to your location, but even then, some names might be more popular in certain parts of the state.
I would check out your state’s data, and if you are able, try asking around your town. If you know any elementary/preschool teachers, pediatricians, babysitters, parents of young kids, etc, you can ask how many boys called [name_m]Mateo[/name_m] and [name_u]Luca[/name_u] they know in your area specifically.
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If you live in the US, the SSA data with probably be the most accurate data you can find. On the SSA site, you are able to see the top 100 for just your state. Filtering by state is a bit more specific for your area, and the data may actually surprise you. [name_f]Hope[/name_f] this helps, and good luck baby naming!
Well, Nameberry is a pretty small pool to ask! The SS date is accurate, even if you or people you personally have asked don’t know quite as many boys with certain names!
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I think the SS data is sometimes just for the US or for a specific state as a whole, so it’s not always a perfectly accurate representation of how popular a name is in your immediate local area or circle. [name_m]Just[/name_m] as an example, I’ve met plenty of Tallulahs and Aoifes in my area but never the significantly more popular [name_u]Evelyn[/name_u], despite me working with kids. I’m sure if I went else where, i would meet one
I’ll also throw in that [name_u]Luca[/name_u] is fairly popular in the UK so berrys might be influenced by that.
I don’t live in the US but I know several Luca’s and Matteo’s . I think both are great names so I wouldn’t let the popularity be the deciding factor for you ! Go with your heart and wha you love … and which one you don’t mind yelling 2000 times a day !
If you live in the US, I would recommend checking the popularity for your state. Nameberry has a global audience and is probably not representative of your local community.