M
Madison Beer
Musician
2000
American singer and social media personality who gained fame as a teenager
Madisen
Girl
#6113 most popular
American
English
Meanings & Origins
"son of Matthew, gift of God"
Origin: English surname
Language: English
"son of Maud, mighty in battle"
Origin: English
Language: English
Popularity
#6113
Current Rank
3
Syllables
Mockery Risk Analysis Premium
Kid-Friendly
Safety: 100%
Surname Harmony Premium
Enter your surname above to see harmony analysis
“The mermaid name that became a generation-defining classic”
Origin & Etymology
Madisen is a spelling variant of Madison, which originated as an English surname meaning son of Maud or son of Matthew, with Matthew derived from the Hebrew Mattityahu meaning gift of Yahweh. The name transitioned from a male surname to a popular female first name in the United States following the 1984 film Splash, in which a mermaid chose Madison as her name after seeing a New York City street sign.
Popularity Story
Madison exploded in popularity after the 1984 film Splash, becoming a top-5 girls name in the US by the early 2000s. The alternative spelling Madisen offers parents the same sound with a slightly more distinctive look. The name peaked around 2001-2011 and has been gradually declining as it became associated with a specific generational cohort.
Cultural Significance
Madison holds a unique place in American naming history as one of the most successful surname-to-first-name transitions ever. The name also honors James Madison, the fourth US President and co-author of the Constitution. Despite its surname origins, Madison has become thoroughly feminine in American culture.
Fun Facts
- The name Madison for girls was essentially invented by the 1984 film Splash starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah
- Madison was the #1 girls name in the US from 2001-2002
- James Madison the 4th President was born 1751 and co-authored the Federalist Papers
Madisen in Other Languages
French
Madison
German
Madison
Italian
Madison
Spanish
Madison
Popularity Over Time
Peaked 2000
No historical data available.
Nicknames
Maddie
Madi
Maddy
Middle Names
Grace
Rose
Claire
Paige
Hope
Faith
Brooke
Name Vibe
Modern
Playful
Classic
Famous People Named Madisen
M
Madison Bumgarner
Athlete
1989
American professional baseball pitcher, World Series MVP in 2014
M
Madison Fictional
Other
Mermaid protagonist of the 1984 film Splash who popularized the name Madison for girls by picking it from a New York str...
Mermaid protagonist of the 1984 film Splash who popularized the name Madison for girls by picking it from a New York street sign
What parents say about Madisen
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Sign in to share your thoughts on this name.