Mathai

Mathai is a variant of the biblical name Matthew, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Mattityahu. Mattityahu means 'gift of Yahweh,' with Yahweh being the Hebrew name for God. The name has a long and rich history, appearing in the Old Testament as Mattathias and in the New Testament as Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and the author of the Gospel of Matthew. Over centuries, the name evolved through various linguistic and cultural adaptations.

In some cultures, particularly in South India (Kerala), Mathai is a common Christian given name, reflecting the strong biblical influence in the region. It is often used as a direct equivalent to Matthew. The name's enduring popularity is largely due to its religious significance and its association with a prominent figure in Christian tradition.