Mattias

Meaning & origin

Mattias entered U.S. records in 1975 and has been on a steady upward trajectory since 1986, reflecting a broader trend toward biblical and European variants. In 2025, it ranked 1231, with about 1 in 10,479 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak year so far was 2024, and it continues to gain favor, particularly in states like Washington, New Jersey, and Minnesota. The name offers a distinctive alternative to the more common Matthew, retaining the same classic meaning without sacrificing individuality. Its Scandinavian heritage gives it a modern, sophisticated edge, appealing to parents looking for a name that feels both traditional and fresh.

Mattias is a Scandinavian and German form of Matthias, which itself derives from the Greek Matthaios, a variant of the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning 'gift of God'. The name appears in the New Testament as the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. It has been used throughout Scandinavia and German-speaking Europe for centuries, with the Swedish form Mattias being particularly common. In the United States, the name has seen increased usage since the 1980s, sometimes as an alternative to the more traditional Matthew.