Matti is a name of Finnish origin and it means "gift from God." It is derived from the Finnish word "mätä," which means "to rot" or "to decay," but it has been interpreted as "gift" in religious contexts. The name Matti has been popular in Finland for many years, with its peak popularity being in the mid-20th century.
The earliest known use of the name Matti can be traced back to the 18th century in Finland. It became more common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as birth records became more widespread. Today, Matti is still a popular name in Finland, but it has also gained international recognition due to its unique sound and meaning.
Overall, Matti is a strong and distinctive name that carries a rich cultural heritage from Finland. Its meaning, "gift from God," adds depth and significance to the name, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for something unique yet meaningful.
The name Matti has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past four decades, with a total of 636 babies given this name since 1980. The name's popularity has fluctuated over time, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the early 1980s, Matti was given to six babies each year in 1980 and 1982, before dropping to five births in 1983. However, it quickly rebounded to six births in 1985, and then experienced a significant increase to nine births in 1986.
The name's popularity continued to grow throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching an all-time high of 27 births in 2002. This trend continued until 2004, when there were 27 births again. However, after this peak, the popularity of Matti began to decline once more.
Between 2005 and 2019, the number of babies named Matti hovered around an average of 16-22 births per year. There was a brief spike in 2007 with 29 births, but this was not sustained. Since 2019, the name's popularity has continued to fluctuate, with 14 births in 2020, nine in 2021, and 11 in both 2022 and 2023.
Despite these fluctuations, Matti remains a classic and timeless choice for parents looking for a name that is unique yet not too unusual. Its enduring popularity over the past four decades is a testament to its appeal as a baby boy's name.