EtymologyMattithiah is a Hebrew name meaning "gift of Yahweh," derived from the roots מַתָּת (mattaṯ) meaning "gift" and יָהּ (yah) referring to the Hebrew God. This name appears in the Old Testament for several minor figures, including a Levite involved in Temple music (1 Chronicles 15:18–21) and a leader of the priestly family of Netophathites (Nehemiah 12:25). The New Testament name Matthew ultimately descends from Mattithiah via the Greek form Mattathias.Historical SignificanceThe most famous bearer of this name is Mattithiah (also known as Mattathias), a 2nd-century BC Jewish priest from the village of Modein. He ignited the Maccabean Revolt against Seleucid oppression in 167 BC after refusing to offer pagan sacrifices. According to the Books of Maccabees (1 Maccabees 2), he killed a Hellenizing Jew and the king’s officer at the pagan altar, then fled to the mountains with followers. Before his death around 166 BC, Mattithiah rallied ongoing resistance and passed leadership to his son Judas Maccabeus, who led the successful campaign culminating in the rededication of the Temple celebrated in Hanukkah.Notable BearersOther historical figures named Mattithiah include: Mattithiah Ahrweiler (c. 1650–1728), a German rabbi; Matteya ben Heresh (Mattithiah ben Heresh), a 2nd-century Roman tanna; and Mattithiah ben Solomon Delacrut, a 16th-century Jewish kabbalist who taught Mordecai Yoffe. The variant Mattathias appears in Biblical Greek, while related forms include Mattanyahu (Biblical Hebrew), Matevos (Armenian), Matia (Basque), Matthaios (Greek), and Matthias (German).Meaning: "gift of Yahweh"Origin: HebrewType: Unisex given name (used mainly in Biblical context)Usage Regions: English Bible, Hebrew culture