Meaning, origin, history
Matias is a name of Latin origin that means "gift of God". It is believed to have been derived from the Aramaic word "matta", which means "gift". The name Matias has been used throughout history, but it gained significant popularity during the Middle Ages in Spain.
The name Matias was first used by the Jews as a translation of the Hebrew name Mattityahu, which is composed of the elements "mattay" meaning "gift" and "-yah" meaning "of God". The name became more widely known after Saint Matthias, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, who took the place of Judas Iscariot according to Acts 1:26.
In the Middle Ages, Matias was used as a Christian name in Spain and other parts of Europe. It was also used among Jews and Muslims, with various spellings such as Matías, Mateo, and Matti.
Today, Matias is still widely used around the world, particularly in Spain, where it has been one of the most popular names for boys over the past few decades. It is also commonly used in other Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Overall, Matias is a name with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Its meaning, "gift of God", makes it a powerful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a special name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Matias since 1880
Total births
20,969
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
2,191 births
in 2023
2,191
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+170%
↗
vs previous 5 years