Maciek is a Polish diminutive of Maciej, the Polish form of Matthias. As a familiar, affectionate variant, Maciek is commonly used in Poland among family and friends for individuals named Maciej, though it may also stand alone as an informal given name. The name Maciej itself has deep roots in Christian tradition, deriving from the Greek Matthias, a variant of Matthaios (see Matthew). In the New Testament, Matthias was the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, lending the name biblical significance.Popularity and UsageMaciej gained considerable popularity in Poland during the 1970s and ranked among the most common male names throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 2024, it was held by 267,723 Polish residents, making it the 19th most popular male name in the country. While Maciek is not officially tracked in name registries as a separate entity, its use as a diminutive remains widespread, and the namedays for Maciej (30 January, 24 February, 14 May) are also celebrated by those bearing the shortened form.Notable BearersMany distinguished Polish individuals named Maciej have used Maciek as a nickname or equivalent. Among them is Maciej Maleńczuk (born 1961), a popular Polish rock musician and songwriter, as well as Maciej Kozłowski (1957–2010), a noted film and stage actor. In sports, Maciej Szczęsny (born 1964) a former Polish international goalkeeper, and his son Wojciech Szczęsny, also a famous goalkeeper, though Wojciech is itself a different name.Cultural SignificanceMaciek, like many Slavic diminutives ending in -ek, conveys warmth and familiarity. It is often used in Polish literature, film, and everyday conversation to denote a close relationship. The name carries the legacy of Matthias, which in Hungarian history was borne by King Matthias I (Mátyás), a reformer of the 15th century.Meaning: Diminutive of Maciej (Polish form of Matthias)Origin: Polish, ultimately from Greek MatthiasUsage: Familiar/diminutive, common in Poland