Declining since 2022, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Matisse since 1988
Babies named Matisse per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 | 0 |
| 1990s | 72 | 12 |
| 2000s | 88 | 95 |
| 2010s | 50 | 120 |
| 2020s | 5 | 135 |
Meaning & origin
Matisse first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1994, and by its peak year of 2021, it had reached its highest usage. In the most recent year tracked (2025), the name ranked 5,608th, with a frequency of 1 in every 106,755 births. Its trajectory shows a decline since 2022, suggesting it may be a passing trend rather than a lasting fixture. The name is most popular in California, which aligns with its artistic and modern appeal. While still relatively rare, Matisse carries the cultural weight of the famous painter, giving it an artistic cachet that attracts parents seeking a sophisticated, gender-neutral option. Its unisex usage and French flair set it apart from more traditional names.
Matisse is primarily a surname of French origin, derived from 'Mati' or 'Matis,' a medieval short form of the given name Matthieu (Matthew), ultimately from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God.' As a first name, it gained modern usage inspired by the renowned French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954). The name has been used for both boys and girls since the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Where Matisse is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Matisse” around the world
Where Matisse lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Matt, Tisse, Matty
Sibling names for Matisse
Names that share Matisse's style, for a brother or sister.
