What does the baby name Mattathia mean? Learn about what Mattathia means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Mattathia - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
To understand the etymology of 'Mattathia', we must explore its linguistic roots. As mentioned earlier, the name originates from Hebrew. The first part, 'Mattat', means 'gift', while the second part, 'Yahu', refers to Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God. Therefore, when combined, 'Mattathia' translates to 'gift of Yahweh' or 'gift of God.'
The name 'Mattathia' holds cultural significance within the Jewish community. It is associated with the story of 'Mattathia's, a Jewish priest who played a crucial role during the Maccabean Revolt in the second century BCE. 'Mattathia's, along with his sons, fought against the oppressive rule of the Seleucid Empire, ultimately leading to the restoration of Jewish religious practices in Jerusalem. This historical context adds depth and meaning to the name, making it a symbol of resilience and strength.