Mathias is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word "mathetein," which means "to learn." It has been used throughout history by several notable figures, including St. Matthias, one of the twelve apostles in the New Testament.
The name Mathias was first popularized during the Middle Ages when it was often used as a male given name in Europe. It is still widely used today, particularly in countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
In terms of its meaning, Mathias is associated with learning, wisdom, and intelligence. Throughout history, people have borne this name for their thirst for knowledge and understanding, as well as their ability to impart wisdom onto others. Some famous figures who share this name include the French writer Mathurin Régnier and the German composer Matthias Weikert.
Today, Mathias remains a popular choice among parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their sons. Its strong associations with learning and intelligence make it an appealing option for many families who wish to instill these values in their children from an early age.
The name Mathias has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were fewer than 50 births per year with the name Mathias, with some years as low as single digits.
However, starting around the mid-20th century, there was a noticeable rise in the number of babies named Mathias each year. In the 1950s and 1960s, the number of annual births with the name typically ranged from 7 to 30. But by the 1970s and 1980s, this number began to climb more significantly, reaching over 40 births per year consistently.
The trend continued into the 1990s and 2000s, with the number of annual births with the name Mathias surpassing 100 for the first time in 2003. Since then, there has been steady growth in the popularity of the name, reaching over 800 births per year as recently as 2022.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been approximately 13,413 babies born in the United States with the name Mathias. This represents a significant increase in popularity for the name over time, making it a common choice among parents today.