Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Matias

Matias is the Portuguese equivalent of Matthew, from the Hebrew “Mattityahu” which means “Gift of God.” Matthew is borne from the Christian Bible as one of the four evangelists and the author of the first gospel of the New Testament (probably written in the 50s or 60s A.D.). Matthew’s gospel focuses on presenting Jesus as Israel’s messiah. It recognizes the teachings of the Hebrew Bible and demonstrates that the teachings of Jesus were consistent with the Jewish message. As with the Old Testament, the gospel of Matthew is peppered with prophesies and presents Jesus as a modern-day Moses. Matthew also tells us that Jesus is descended from Abraham through David (with 42 generations separating them). We are introduced to Matthew as a tax-collector-turned-Jesus-follower (Matthew 9:9); later Jesus named Matthew as one of his chosen 12 disciples, giving all of them “authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction” (Matthew 10:1). Names of the four evangelists and 12 disciples have become some of the most widespread, enduring and commonly used names ever in the history of Western culture: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Andrew, James, Philip, Thomas, Simon, Thaddeus/Jude and sometimes Bartholomew (but not so much Judas Iscariot for obvious reasons). As a result, we also find several variations of these names rendered in different languages. In the case of Matthew we get Matthew (English), Matthias (Biblical Greek/Latin), Mathieu (French), Matthäus (German), Makaio (Hawaiian), Matteo (Italian), and Mateo (Spanish). Matias is primarily Portuguese and is one of the most popular baby boy names in Chile right now.

All About the Baby Name – Matias

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MATIAS

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MATIAS

Matias did not emerge on the American male naming charts until very recently. It appeared for the first time in 2004. We’re guessing that Hispanic-Americans are propelling its usage, although probably those with Portuguese rather than Spanish heritage. At first Matias didn’t do too much on the charts, but since 2009 the name has shown more impressive usage. We’re thinking this has to do with famous Chilean soccer star Matías Fernández. Matias is now more popular than Mathias or Matthias. The name brings a different spin to the ever-popular Matthew and certainly adds some Portuguese panache.

Quick Facts

ON MATIAS

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

563

PRONUNCIATION:

mah-TEE-ahs

SIMPLE MEANING:

Gift of God

Characteristics

OF MATIAS

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Matias

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MATIAS

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Matias

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MATIAS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Matias


Popular Songs

ON MATIAS

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Matias


Famous People

NAMED MATIAS

Matías Fernández (Chilean footballer)
Matías Médici (Argentinean cyclist)
Matías Silvestre (Argentinean footballer)
Matías Suárez (Argentinean footballer)
Matías Rossi (Argentinean racecar driver)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MATIAS

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Matias

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MATIAS

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Matias