"gift of Yahweh"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Matthias
Pronunciation: [ m-uhth-EYE-uhs ]
Boy Name
#472 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
The apostle who replaced Judas — God's gift, amplified
German
Scandinavian
Biblical
Eastern European
Classic
Strong
Sophisticated
Literary
Spiritual
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Matthias
Matthias is the Greek/Latin form of the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning gift of Yahweh or gift of God. It comes from the Hebrew 'mattan' (gift) combined with 'Yah' (a short form of Yahweh). In the New Testament, Matthias was chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot after Jesus's ascension, making him the twelfth apostle. The name is essentially a variant of Matthew, both sharing the same Hebrew origin.
Matthias has been consistently used in German, Austrian, and Scandinavian countries for centuries. In the English-speaking world it has risen in recent decades as parents seek the familiar Matthew but want something more distinctive and continental-sounding.
Matthias is the patron saint of alcoholics in Catholic tradition, and there are churches dedicated to Saint Matthias across Europe, including the famous Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) in Budapest, Hungary. The Holy Roman Emperor Matthias reigned 1612-1619.
Fun Facts
- Matthias was selected as the twelfth apostle by casting lots (drawing straws) after Judas Iscariot's betrayal
- The famous Matthias Church in Budapest, Hungary has stood for over 700 years and was the coronation church for Hungarian kings
Matthias in Other Languages
Greek
Ματθίας
French
Mathias
German
Matthias
Hebrew
מַתִּתְיָהוּ
Spanish
Matías
Hungarian
Mátyás
Famous People Named Matthias
M
Matthias Schoenaerts
Actor
1977
Belgian actor known for A Prophet, Rust and Bone, and Far from the Madding Crowd
M
Matthias Corvinus
Royalty
1443
King of Hungary (1458-1490), one of the greatest Renaissance monarchs, who made Hungary a center of humanist culture
S
Saint Matthias
Religious
Apostle of Jesus Christ chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, selected by lot from among Jesus's disciples
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #472
- Total SSA Count
- 653
- Cultural Origins
- German Scandinavian Biblical Eastern European
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Matt
Matty
Thias
Pairs Well With
Matthias James
Matthias Heinrich
Matthias Alexander
Matthias Wilhelm
Matthias Joseph
Matthias Elias
Matthias Anton
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Matthias
What does the name Matthias mean?
"gift of Yahweh" (from Hebrew). Matthias is the Greek/Latin form of the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning gift of Yahweh or gift of God. It comes from the Hebrew 'mattan' (gift) combined with 'Yah' (a short form of Yahweh). In the New Testament, Matthias was chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot after Jesus's ascension, making him the twelfth apostle. The name is essentially a variant of Matthew, both sharing the same Hebrew origin.
What is the origin of the name Matthias?
Matthias has Hebrew, German, Scandinavian, Biblical, and Eastern European origins. In Hebrew, it means "gift of Yahweh".
Is Matthias a boy or girl name?
Matthias is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Matthias?
Matthias is pronounced m-uhth-EYE-uhs.
How popular is the name Matthias?
Matthias is currently ranked #472 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Matthias?
Common nicknames for Matthias include Matt, Matty, and Thias.
What are good middle names for Matthias?
Popular middle name pairings include Matthias James, Matthias Heinrich, Matthias Alexander, Matthias Wilhelm, Matthias Joseph, Matthias Elias, and Matthias Anton.
What are good sibling names for Matthias?
Names that pair well with Matthias as siblings include Sebastian, Tobias, Elias, Cassius, Leonora, Theresa, and Greta.
How many syllables does Matthias have?
Matthias has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Matthias a common or rare name?
Matthias is a popular name, ranked #472 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Matthias
Matthias is a boy name with German, Scandinavian, Biblical, and Eastern European origins . The name means "gift of Yahweh" in Hebrew .
Matthias is currently ranked #472 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Matthias has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-uhth-EYE-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Matthias include Matt, Matty, and Thias. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Matthias include Matthew, Matteo, Mattias, Matt, Mattheo . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.