The given name Mattias finds its origins in the Hebrew name Mattithyahu, which means "gift of God." This name can be traced back to the biblical era and is a variant of the more common Matthew. Mattias was initially a name used predominantly in ancient Judea and the surrounding regions of the Middle East.

In the New Testament, Mattias is mentioned as the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal of Jesus Christ. This biblical reference contributed to the name's spread and adoption among early Christian communities across Europe and the Mediterranean region.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Mattias was Mattias Grünewald, a German Renaissance painter born around 1470. He is renowned for his masterpiece, the Isenheim Altarpiece, which depicted scenes from the life of Christ in vivid detail.

During the Protestant Reformation, Mattias became a popular name among German and Scandinavian Protestants. One notable figure was Mattias Flacius Illyricus, a Croatian scholar and theologian born in 1520, who played a significant role in the development of Lutheran doctrine.

In the 17th century, Mattias de' Medici, born in 1613, was a prominent member of the influential Medici family in Florence, Italy. He served as a military commander and was known for his patronage of the arts and sciences.

Another historical figure bearing the name Mattias was Mattias Steuchius, a Swedish astronomer and mathematician born in 1644. He made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and was instrumental in establishing the first observatory in Sweden.

Mattias Claudius, a German poet and writer born in 1740, gained recognition for his literary works, including the popular poem "Der Mond ist aufgegangen" (The Moon Has Risen).

Over the centuries, the name Mattias has maintained its presence across various cultures and languages, often adapting to local spellings and pronunciations, such as Matthias or Matías. Its biblical origins and historical associations have contributed to its enduring popularity as a given name.