All about the name
Mattias
Male
« Mattias is a Swedish name of Greek origin, meaning "gift of God," popularized during the Middle Ages as an alternative to traditional Swedish names like Anders and Lars. It gained international recognition through figures such as Saint Matthias, a Christian apostle, and Carl von Linné, a renowned botanist. »
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Meaning, origin, history
Mattias is a name of Swedish origin, derived from the Scandinavian name Matthias. The name Matthias itself has its roots in the Greek word "matthaios," which means "gift of God." In the New Testament of the Bible, Matthias was one of the disciples chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal of Jesus Christ.
In Sweden, Mattias became a popular given name during the Middle Ages. It was often used as an alternative to the more traditional Swedish names such as Anders and Lars. Over time, Mattias has remained a common choice among Swedish parents, with its popularity waning slightly in recent years but still ranking among the top 50 most popular boys' names in Sweden today.
The name Mattias has also gained international recognition due to notable individuals who have borne this name throughout history. One of the most famous figures is Saint Matthias, a Christian apostle who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot following his death. According to biblical accounts, Matthias was one of the candidates for the position and was ultimately selected through a casting of lots.
Another notable figure with the name Mattias is Swedish botanist Carl von Linné, also known as Carolus Linnaeus, who was born CarlMattias Nilsson but later Latinized his name. He is credited with developing the modern system of taxonomy, which provides a way to classify and organize living things based on their shared characteristics.
While Mattias may not have any specific feast days or associated traits attributed to those bearing this name, its origin and history make it a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet classic boy's name with deep roots in Scandinavian culture and tradition.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Mattias since 1880
Total births
2,332
Total since 1880
Peak year
2021
184 births
in 2023
177
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+85%
↗
vs previous 5 years