The given name Matthias has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew name Mattathyahu, which itself originated from the Hebrew words "mattat" meaning "gift" and "Yah" referring to the Hebrew God. The name can be translated to mean "gift of God" or "gift from God".

The earliest recorded use of the name Matthias dates back to the 1st century AD in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Book of Acts, Matthias was chosen by the remaining eleven apostles to replace Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus Christ and committed suicide. This account makes Matthias one of the earliest individuals referenced by this name.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Matthias. One of the earliest was Matthias the Apostle, who lived in the 1st century AD and was the apostle chosen to replace Judas. Another early Matthias of significance was Matthias the Monk, a 6th-century Byzantine monk and author of the first biography of St. Nicholas.

In the medieval period, Matthias Corvinus (1443-1490) was an influential King of Hungary and Croatia who presided over a golden age of Renaissance culture and learning in his kingdom. Matthias Grünewald (c. 1470-1528) was a renowned German Renaissance painter known for his altarpiece masterpieces, including the Isenheim Altarpiece.

During the Reformation era, Matthias Flacius Illyricus (1520-1575) was a prominent Croatian Protestant Reformer and scholar who made significant contributions to the Lutheran movement. Matthias Claudius (1740-1815) was a German poet and writer of the Enlightenment period, best known for his lyrical nature poetry.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the given name Matthias, which has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language and carries the meaning of "gift of God".