Meaning & History
Mattithyahu is an alternate transcription of the Ancient Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (see Mattityahu), ultimately deriving from the Biblical name Mattithiah. Meaning "gift of Yahweh" in Hebrew, the name combines the elements mattaṯ (gift) and yah (referring to the Hebrew God).
Mattithyahu is directly linked to the Hebrew form Mattityahu, which is used in the Old Testament for a few minor characters. The most notable bearer of a related form is Mattathias, a 2nd-century BC Jewish priest who ignited the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire, as recorded in the deuterocanonical Books of Maccabees. His actions led to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The New Testament name Matthew is a descendant of this ancient name.
Variants include Mattanyahu and Netanyahu, while other language forms range from Armenian Matevos to English Matthew. The name's theophoric nature, combining a divine reference with the concept of a gift, has made it a lasting choice in Jewish and Christian contexts.
- Meaning: Gift of Yahweh
- Origin: Hebrew (Ancient)
- Type: First name
- Usage: Hebrew Bible