Greek form of Hebrew 'Mattityahu' meaning 'gift of God.' The apostle chosen to replace Judas in Acts 1:26.
Matthias is the Greek and Latin form of a Hebrew name rooted in Mattityahu, meaning “gift of God.” It belongs to the same large family as Matthew, Matteo, and Mathias, all descended from the same ancient source but shaped by different languages and eras. Matthias entered Christian tradition early through the New Testament: Saint Matthias is the apostle chosen to replace Judas in the Acts of the Apostles.
That connection gave the name a durable place in Christian Europe, particularly in Germanic, Scandinavian, and Central European regions. The name’s history blends scriptural dignity with regional variation. It has been borne by kings, bishops, composers, and scholars, including Matthias Corvinus, the fifteenth-century king of Hungary remembered for patronage of Renaissance learning.
In English-speaking countries, Matthias long remained less common than Matthew, which made it feel more formal, continental, and slightly scholarly. In recent decades it has gained attention among parents seeking biblical depth without choosing a more familiar staple. Its sound is gentler and more elaborate than Matthew, with a historical richness that stretches from Hebrew scripture through Greek Christianity into European courts and universities.
Literary and musical echoes, including the famous chorale associated with Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and the broader biblical world around the name, lend it seriousness and grace. Matthias today feels timeless, learned, and warm, carrying devotion and refinement in the same breath.