Matthias

Matthias is the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning gift of Yahweh, composed of the elements mattan, meaning gift, and Yah, a shortened form of the divine name. In the New Testament, Matthias was the apostle chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve, giving the name strong early Christian significance and ensuring its spread throughout Europe. The name is closely related to Matthew, which derives from the same Hebrew root through a different Greek transmission, as well as cognates such as Mattias, Mathias, and Icelandic Matthías.