US Popularity Rank: 981

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: gift of God; bear

Matthias is a refreshing twist to the ancient masculine name Mathew sure to give baby a distinctive edge. Emerging from the Hebrew Matityahu_, meaning "gift of God," Matthias bears this definition with all the swagger of a rock star. As much as Matthias seems to push against tradition, its very sound directly links it with the Ancient Greek translation of Matityahu, _Mattathias, which pre-dates even Mathew. Touring overseas to Celtic shores, Matthias finds an intriguing kinship with the Irish mathúin, which means "bear." A relic with a rugged appeal, as names go, Matthias serves up stage presence before baby has even taken their first steps.