Mátyás is the Hungarian form of Matthias, itself a variant of Matthew. The name derives from the Greek Ματθίας (Matthias), a variant of Ματθαῖος (Matthaios), which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Mattithiah meaning "gift of Yahweh." In the New Testament, Matthias was the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after the betrayal of Jesus (Acts 1:23-26). Royal Legacy Mátyás has been borne by two Hungarian kings. The most famous is Matthias Corvinus (1443–1490), known in Hungarian as Mátyás király. He was one of the most powerful and influential rulers of Hungary, reigning from 1458 to 1490. Matthias undertook major reforms, centralized the kingdom, and fostered Renaissance culture and learning. His court in Buda became a center of humanism and art. The other notable bearer was Mátyás II (1557–1619), though he was Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary largely as a figurehead. Notable Bearers Beyond royalty, the name has been used by prominent Hungarians across various fields: Mátyás Bél (1684–1749), a polymath and Lutheran pastor known for his geographical and historical works. Mátyás Cseszneky (died 1570), a Hungarian magnate and cavalry commander who defended the realm against Ottoman incursions. Mátyás Rákosi (1892–1971), the communist dictator of Hungary in the 1950s, whose oppressive rule after World War II is remembered with controversy. Mátyás Seiber (1905–1960), a Hungarian-born composer who emigrated to England and became known for his classical and jazz-influenced works. Mátyás Szűrös (born 1933), a politician who served as interim president of Hungary in 1989 during the transition from communism to democracy. The name Mátyás thus connects a biblical apostle with a royal dynasty and continues to be used in modern Hungary.