Maciej - Discover Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and Similar Names

Meaning of the Name Maciej

The name Maciej is a popular given name in several Slavic regions, chiefly in Poland. It's a variation of the name Matthias, crafted from the Hebrew name Mattityahu, which means “gift from God”. Known for its deep, spiritual connection, individuals carrying this name are often thought to possess qualities of wisdom and divine favor.

Find more names related to the name Maciej.

Gift from God, Polish, Slavic,

Maciej - Discover Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and Similar Names

Pronunciation Guide of Maciej in Polish

maˈt͡ɕɛj - Maciej

  • /ma/: ma, as in 'maa'
  • /t͡ɕ/: tsheh, similar to 'ch' in 'che'
  • /ɛj/: ey, as in 'hay'

To an English ear, pronounce it as 'ma-tchay,' with stress on the first syllable.

Origin of the Name Maciej

The name Maciej traces its roots back to Poland, emerging as a Slavic variant of the Hebrew name Mattityahu. The prevalent use in Poland reflects cultural connections to religious narratives, embodying both historical and spiritual significance.

Gender Usage of the Name Maciej

Predominantly a male name, Maciej holds robust traditional use across Slavic nations, particularly in Poland. The name showcases male exclusivity in its usage, occasionally appearing in cultural or literary settings, but rarely seen in female attribution. Noteworthy individuals include prominent leaders and public figures.

Popularity of the Name Maciej

The name Maciej holds a steady position in Polish baby names, consistently appearing in historical to modern naming charts. Its popularity peaked in Poland during the late 20th century and continues to maintain a strong ranking in Polish-speaking regions today.

Global Usage of the Name Maciej

While Maciej is most popular in Poland, it is also recognized in other Slavic countries. In each region, pronunciations or spelling variations may occur, but the core cultural significance remains constant, ensuring warm acceptance.

Global Distribution and Gender Ratio of the Name Maciej
Country Usage % Female % Male %
PL 73.91% 0.44% 99.56%
US 7.73% 2.08% 97.92%
GB 3.86% 4.17% 95.83%
DE 2.74% 0% 100%
IT 1.29% 0% 100%
The analysis of gender and popularity by country is derived from data provided by Gender API.

Characteristic Features Associated with Maciej

  • Wise: Known for their wisdom and insightful perspectives.
  • Kind: Possesses a gentle and empathetic nature.
  • Charismatic: Often attracts others naturally with charm and friendliness.

Professional Orientations for Maciej

  • Leader: Inclined towards roles of leadership and decision-making.
  • Artist: Often drawn to creative professions like writing or visual arts.
  • Social Advocate: Engaged in careers that promote social welfare and justice.

Unique and Interesting Characteristics of Maciej

  • Cultural Icon: Frequently appears in Polish literature and media.
  • Historical Legend: Associated with stories of historical significance and myth.
  • Famous Portrayal: Featured characters in well-known movies and books.

Famous People Named Maciej

  • Maciej Żurawski: Professional Polish footballer known for his athletic achievements.
  • Maciej Stuhr: Celebrated Polish actor and comedian, recognized for his roles in cinema and theater.
  • Maciej Stryjkowski: Renowned 16th-century historian and author in Poland.

Similar Names

  • Mateusz: Another popular Polish name, sharing the same root as Maciej and bearing the meaning “gift from God”.
  • Michal: This name is closely related in sound and shares a biblical significance, meaning “who is like God?”.
  • Marek: Similar in pronunciation, Marek also has a religious nuance with the meaning “of Mars”, the Roman god of war.
  • Marcin: A common Polish name sounding similar to Maciej, meaning “related to Mars”.
  • Milosz: A name bearing a resemblance in sound, often interpreted as “gracious” or “mild”.
  • Mikolaj: Sharing phonetic similarities, this name signifies “victory of the people”.
  • Mariusz: Similar in its Slavic roots, it means “manly” or “brave”.
  • Mateo: Although more Mediterranean, it shares the same origin and meaning “gift from God”.
  • Mertin: A variant of Martin, aligning with the same warrior ethos and sounding quite similar.
  • Melchior: Slightly more grandiose in its pronunciation, this name signifies “king of light”.