"son of Matthew"
Origin: English surname
Language: English
Madison
Pronunciation: [ m-AD-uhs-uhn ]
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A presidential surname turned modern unisex name
American
English
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Madison
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Meaning & Origin
"gift of God"
Origin: Hebrew via English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Overwhelmingly female in contemporary use since the 1980s
The Story of Madison
Madison originated as an English surname meaning 'son of Maud' or 'son of Matthew,' with Matthew deriving from the Hebrew Mattityahu (gift of God). As a male given name, it was used occasionally in the 19th century. Its use as a boy's name traces back to US President James Madison (1751–1836).
Madison was historically male, but the 1984 film Splash — featuring a mermaid who chose 'Madison' from a New York street sign — transformed it almost entirely into a girl's name. As a boy's name today, it is rare and countercultural.
James Madison, the 4th US President and chief architect of the US Constitution, gave this name presidential gravitas. His legacy as 'Father of the Constitution' makes Madison carry intellectual and civic weight.
Historical Record
Madison first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 5,363 babies have been named Madison in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Madison is past its peak , currently ranked #3,305 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Madison Avenue in New York City is named after President James Madison
- The 1984 movie Splash single-handedly shifted Madison from male to female use
- James Madison was the shortest US president at 5'4"
Madison in Other Languages
French
Madison
German
Madison
Spanish
Madison
Japanese
マジソン
Popularity Over Time
#3,305
Current Rank
Peaked 1995
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Madison with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,305
- Total SSA Count
- 36
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Maddy
Matt
Mads
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Madison
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Madison is also used as a girl name, ranked #46.
View Madison as a girl name →Similar Names
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Hebrew origin
"God raises up"
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French/Latin Sapaudia origin
"from the Savoy region (French place n..."
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Old High German origin
"neighbor, dweller"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madison
What does the name Madison mean?
"son of Matthew" (from English surname). "gift of God" (from Hebrew via English). Madison originated as an English surname meaning 'son of Maud' or 'son of Matthew,' with Matthew deriving from the Hebrew Mattityahu (gift of God). As a male given name, it was used occasionally in the 19th century. Its use as a boy's name traces back to US President James Madison (1751–1836).
What is the origin of the name Madison?
Madison has English surname, Hebrew via English, American, and English origins. In English surname, it means "son of Matthew". In Hebrew via English, it means "gift of God".
Is Madison a boy or girl name?
Madison is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3305. As a girl name, it is ranked #46. Madison is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Madison?
Madison is pronounced m-AD-uhs-uhn.
How popular is the name Madison?
Madison is currently ranked #3305 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Madison?
Common nicknames for Madison include Maddy, Matt, and Mads.
What are good middle names for Madison?
Popular middle name pairings include Madison James, Madison Lee, Madison Cole, Madison Grant, Madison Blake, Madison Scott, and Madison Ray.
What are good sibling names for Madison?
Names that pair well with Madison as siblings include Addison, Carter, Parker, Logan, Riley, and Jordan.
How many syllables does Madison have?
Madison has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Madison a common or rare name?
Madison is an uncommon name, ranked #3305 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Madison
Madison is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "son of Matthew" in English surname .
Is Madison a boy or girl name? Madison is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,305 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #46. Madison is more commonly used as a girl name.
Madison is currently ranked #3,305 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Madison has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-AD-uhs-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Madison include Maddy, Matt, and Mads. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis