The name Matawin (sometimes referred as Mantawa or Mattawin ) is originally in Algonquin derived from the word "Matawane" which means "river falling fast".
The name of the "Réserve faunique Rouge-Matawin" (Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve) was taken from the name "Matawin River" in concert with the "Rivière Rouge" (Red River),[REF] through which it flows.