The name Matulis has an interesting origin rooted in Lithuanian culture and language. In Lithuanian, “Matulis” is a surname that belongs to the category of patronymic names, which are names derived from the father’s given name.
The root of Matulis is “Matas,” which is the Lithuanian form of Matthew. Matthew, in turn, comes from the Hebrew name “Mattityahu,” meaning “gift of Yahweh” or “gift of God.” The suffix “-ulis” in Lithuanian is a diminutive form, often used to create surnames from given names.
Therefore, Matulis essentially means “son of Matthew” or “little Matthew.” This naming convention was common in many cultures as a way to identify individuals by their familial relationships, particularly their father’s name.
In Lithuanian culture, surnames ending in -us, -as, or -is are typically masculine, while those ending in -aitė, -ytė, or -iūtė are feminine forms. The feminine version of Matulis would be Matulytė for an unmarried woman or Matulienė for a married woman.
The name Matulis is not particularly common outside of Lithuania and Lithuanian communities, but it can be found among Lithuanian diaspora populations around the world, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, where significant Lithuanian immigration occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In terms of popularity, Matulis is considered a relatively common surname in Lithuania. However, its use as a given name is rare. Like many traditional surnames, some individuals with the last name Matulis may choose to use it as a first name for their children, though this is not a widespread practice.
The name Matulis carries with it a sense of Lithuanian heritage and cultural identity. For those who bear this name, it can serve as a connection to their ancestral roots and a reminder of their family’s history.
