Mats

Mats is a masculine given name of Scandinavian origin, most common in Sweden and among Swedish-speaking populations of Finland. It is typically a standalone name but is also used as a shortened form of Mathias or Matthias. In some contexts it appears as a surname, though this is far less common.

The name Mats derives from Hebrew Matthias, meaning "gift of God" (often rendered as "gift of Yahweh" in some translations). In Sweden, Mats developed as a natural diminutive or variant of Mathias and has been widely used since the late medieval period, remaining popular into modern times. Related forms include Mathias, Matthias, and Mathis in various languages.

Notable people named Mats include Mats Wilander (born 1964), a Swedish former professional tennis player who reached world No. 1 and won multiple Grand Slams, and Mats Sundin (born 1971), a Swedish former professional ice hockey player and long-time captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The name is also used by various other athletes, artists, and professionals in Nordic countries.

As a common noun in English, mats (plural) refer to flat pieces of material used for protection, wiping, cushioning, or decoration. They include door mats, bath mats, yoga or gym mats, and floor mats for industrial or residential use. Mats are made from a variety of materials, such as cotton, rubber, coir, or synthetic fibers, and come in numerous sizes and textures to suit different functions.

See also related given names such as Mathias, Matthias, and Mathis, which share the same roots and regional usage.