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Matisse

♂ Boy

Pronounced mah-TEESS /mɑˈtis/Medium

Meaning: From the French surname Matisse — a form of Matthew/Matthias, 'gift of God'; the artist Henri MatisseMedium

In 30 seconds: Artful and chic: Matisse is the painter's surname — a French Matthew, 'gift of God'. Sophisticated, creative, and bold.

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Origin MediumHebrew, French

MeaningFrom the French surname Matisse — a form of Matthew/Matthias, 'gift of God'; the artist Henri Matisse

U.S. rank (2025)#5755 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 362

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Matisse comes from the French surname Matisse — a form of Matthew/Matthias, from Hebrew Mattityahu, 'gift of God'. Famed through painter Henri Matisse, it's a creative, chic name, used for both sexes, here for boys.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, gift-of-God at the root, and artful.

Did you know? Matisse honors Henri Matisse, the great Fauvist painter — his surname is a French form of Matthew, 'gift of God'; an artful, sophisticated name.

Overall data confidence 78%

References — Matisse — surname/artist

Variations

MathisMatisse

Nicknames

Mat

Famous Bearers

★Henri Matisse (1869-1954)
French artist and leader of the Fauvism movement, celebrated for his use of color and fluid draftsmanship
★Matisse Buck (1999-)
Australian swimmer who competed in butterfly events at international competitions

If you like Matisse…

Mathis— a fellow Matt- French name

Monet— a companion artist surname-name

Marquise— echoes that soft -se sound

Alphonse— echoes that soft -se sound

Mekhi— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Matisse

By themehebrew french

By meaningGod / Divine Gift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Matisse mean?

Matisse is a French form of Matthew — 'gift of God' (the painter Henri Matisse).

How do you pronounce Matisse?

It's said mah-TEESS /mɑˈtis/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Matisse a boy or girl name?

Matisse is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Matisse?

Matisse is a rare name in the U.S.