Matti

Matti is a masculine given name used mainly in Finland. It is the Finnish form of Matthew, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, meaning “Yahweh’s gift” or “gift of God,” via the Greek Matthaios and Latin Matthaeus.

The name has been common since the 19th century and was particularly popular in the mid-20th century in Finland; today it remains in use though not as common for newborns.

Notable people named Matti include Matti Nykänen, a Finnish ski jumper and Olympic and world champion; Matti Vanhanen, a Finnish politician who served as prime minister from 2003 to 2010; and Matti Salminen, a Finnish bass-baritone.