Mathis is a male given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German name Matheus, which means "gift of God." The name Mathis is composed of two elements: "math" meaning "gift," and "-is," a suffix denoting a person's name or quality.
The name Mathis has been used for centuries in Germany and other Germanic countries. It was popular among the nobility during the Middle Ages, with several historical figures bearing this name, such as Saint Matthias, one of the twelve apostles in Christianity, who is believed to have been chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal.
Over time, the name Mathis has spread beyond its Germanic origins and can now be found in various countries around the world. Today, it is still a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, distinct, yet not too unusual name for their sons.
In terms of famous individuals named Mathis, one notable example is French footballer Mathieu Valbuena, who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Olympic Lyonnais and the France national team. Other well-known Mathises include Canadian musician Matthew Good, frontman of the alternative rock band Matthew Good Band, and Swiss tennis player Stan Wawrinka, whose full name is Stanislas "Stan" Mathis Wawrinka.
In conclusion, Mathis is an ancient Germanic male given name that means "gift of God." With its strong roots in history and a distinguished list of bearers, this name continues to be chosen by parents for their sons due to its unique yet approachable sound.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Mathis has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. From just a handful of births per year at the beginning of the 20th century, the number of newborns named Mathis began to steadily rise in the 1950s.
The first notable spike occurred between 1958 and 1962, with numbers ranging from 13 to 14 births per year. However, it was not until the late 1970s that the name Mathis started to gain considerable traction, with double-digit birth counts consistently recorded every year from 1975 onwards.
The turning point came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the popularity of the name Mathis skyrocketed. In just two decades, from around 20 births per year in 2000 to a peak of 141 births in 2016, Mathis became one of the most popular names for newborn boys in the United States.
Although there was a slight dip in popularity between 2017 and 2022, with birth counts ranging from 30 to 97 per year, Mathis remains a well-liked name. As of 2023, it continues to be among the top choices for parents naming their newborn sons in the United States.
In conclusion, while the name Mathis may not have been particularly popular throughout much of the 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries, its popularity has risen steadily since the late 1970s. Today, Mathis is a well-established and widely recognized name for boys in the United States.