Rising since 1985, #372 for boys today.
Popularity of Matthias since 1880
Babies named Matthias per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 23 |
| 1890s | 15 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 142 |
| 1920s | 118 |
| 1930s | 64 |
| 1940s | 69 |
| 1950s | 80 |
| 1960s | 179 |
| 1970s | 258 |
| 1980s | 527 |
| 1990s | 825 |
| 2000s | 2,056 |
| 2010s | 5,144 |
| 2020s | 4,176 |
Meaning & origin
Matthias, meaning 'gift of God,' has a strong biblical pedigree as the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. Though never a Top 100 name in the United States, it has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity since 1985, reaching its peak rank of 372 in 2025. As of that year, about 1 in 2,000 newborn boys were named Matthias, reflecting modest but consistent appeal. The name is most popular in Alaska, Hawaii, and New Mexico, suggesting a broad geographic distribution. Its classic yet distinctive sound, along with the friendly nickname Matt, makes it a solid choice for parents seeking a traditional name with religious roots that is not overly common.
Matthias is derived from the Greek name Matthias, a variant of Mattathias, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Mattityahu meaning 'gift of Yahweh.' In the New Testament, Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle. The name has been used in various forms across Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, and has maintained steady usage in Christian communities.
Where Matthias is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Matthias” around the world
Where Matthias lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
75
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
New Zealand
15
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Matt, Matty
Sibling names for Matthias
Names that share Matthias's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Elena, Sophia, Clara, Amelia, Nora, Lorelei, Magdalena, Klarissa, Christella, Dorathea, Evamarie, Michaeline, Romayne, Tabbatha, Adilenne, Annelie, Betania, Jasmarie, Trinita, Christasia, Evamaria, Margareta, Timothea
Brothers: Theodore, Sebastian, Julian, Simon, Lucas, Amadeus, Dominik, Clemens, Lazarus, Antonie, Barnabas, Cephas, Christoph, Joachim, Thaddaeus, Thaddius, Zaccheus, Jakim, Johannes, Jullien, Thadd, Timotheus
Names like Matthias
Names whose popularity has moved with Matthias's over the last 50 years.
