Maciej

Maciej is a masculine given name widely used in Poland, and is the Polish form of Matthias. It derives from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning “gift of Yahweh” or “gift of God.” The name has been present in Polish culture since the Middle Ages and remains common in contemporary Poland and among Polish communities abroad.

In Poland, Maciej is commonly associated with a name day celebrated as part of the traditional name-day calendar, a cultural practice in which individuals celebrate on a day designated for their given name. Diminutives include Maciek and Maciuś, used informally among family and friends. Variants in other languages include Matthias or Mathias in many Western languages, and Matěj in Czech or Matias in Spanish-speaking contexts.

Notable people named Maciej include Maciej Żurawski, a Polish former professional footballer who played as a striker for clubs such as Wisła Kraków and Celtic; Maciej Stuhr, a prominent Polish actor, director, and comedian; and Maciej Rybus, a Polish international footballer who has played as a left back for clubs including Legia Warsaw and Lyon.

Outside Poland, the name Maciej is primarily found among the Polish diaspora and in historical contexts referring to individuals of Polish origin. The name remains a traditional and recognizable element of Polish given-name culture.