matas

Matas is a masculine given name most widely used in Lithuania. It is the Lithuanian form of Matthew, which comes from the Latin name Matthaeus and ultimately from the Hebrew Matityahu, meaning "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God." In Lithuanian onomastics, Matas is a standalone given name rather than a nickname, and it has been common since the 19th century, continuing into contemporary times. The name often appears in registers, schools, and media in Lithuania, and individuals named Matas may celebrate name days according to local calendars.

In addition to its use as a given name, Matas can appear as a surname in some multicultural contexts, though it is far less common and lacks a single shared origin. When encountered as a surname, its etymology may reflect different linguistic paths or family histories.

The root name is part of a wider set of variants that share the same biblical origin, including Mathias, Matthias, Mateo, Matheo/Matias, and Matthew. These forms appear across European languages with varying spellings but retaining the same meaning. Matas remains primarily recognized as a Lithuanian given name and as a surname in limited cases outside Lithuania.

As with many personal names, the cultural associations of Matas are shaped by its use in literature, media, and everyday life, contributing to its standing as a traditional and enduring name in Lithuanian culture.