The name Matias has its origins in the Hebrew name Mattityahu, which means "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God". It is a variant of the name Matthew, which was popular among early Christian communities. The name Matias gained widespread use during the Middle Ages, particularly in Spain and Portugal.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Matias can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Acts of the Apostles, Matias was one of the disciples chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal of Jesus Christ. This biblical reference contributed to the popularity of the name among Christian communities.

During the Medieval period, the name Matias was commonly used in Spain and Portugal. One notable figure was Matias de Albuquerque, a Portuguese explorer and military commander who lived from 1453 to 1515. He played a crucial role in the Portuguese conquest of India and the establishment of Portuguese colonies in the Indian Ocean region.

In the 16th century, Matias de Novoa (1505-1591) was a Spanish nobleman and diplomat who served as the ambassador of Spain to the Holy Roman Empire. He was known for his diplomatic skills and played a significant role in maintaining relations between Spain and the Holy Roman Emperor.

Another historical figure was Matias Delio (1688-1776), an Italian painter and engraver from Naples. He was renowned for his religious paintings and engravings, which adorned many churches and monasteries in Italy during the Baroque period.

In the 19th century, Matias Romero (1837-1898) was a Mexican diplomat and politician who served as the Minister of Finance and later as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He played a crucial role in resolving the long-standing dispute between Mexico and the United States over the Gadsden Purchase.

Matias Errazuriz (1776-1860) was a Chilean politician and statesman who served as the President of Chile from 1851 to 1861. He is remembered for his efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure and promote economic development during his presidency.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Matias. The name has endured for centuries, transcending cultures and regions, and continues to be used in various parts of the world today.