"little hound, little dog"
Origin: Irish
Language: Irish Gaelic
Madden
Pronunciation: [ m-AD-uhn ]
Girl Name
#1,819 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A bold Irish surname name with spirited energy
Irish
American
English
Modern
Bold
Playful
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"descendant of Madán"
Origin: Irish
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Madden NFL is the popular EA Sports video game franchise (since 1988) — generally positive but may associate name with video games
The Story of Madden
Madden is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Madáin, meaning 'descendant of Madán,' where Madán derives from 'madra' meaning 'dog' or 'hound.' Irish dogs were highly prized as hunting companions, making this a name of noble associations. The name has transitioned from an Irish surname to a modern first name for both boys and girls.
Madden as a first name gained momentum in the 2000s and 2010s as surname-style names became fashionable. The Madden NFL video game franchise, while bringing attention to the name, has not negatively impacted its use for girls.
The name reflects the Irish tradition of honoring family clans through surnames used as first names. The Madden family was a prominent clan in County Galway, Ireland.
Fun Facts
- John Madden, the legendary NFL coach and broadcaster, popularized the Madden name through the iconic EA Sports franchise
- The Madden surname originated in County Galway and County Roscommon, Ireland
Madden in Other Languages
Irish
Ó Madáin
French
Madden
English
Madden
Spanish
Madden
Famous People Named Madden
M
Madden Beaty
Actor
1996
American child actor known for various TV appearances
J
John Madden
Athlete
1936
NFL coach and broadcaster whose name became synonymous with football through the Madden NFL video game series
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,819
- Total SSA Count
- 111
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Maddie
Mad
Pairs Well With
Madden Grace
Madden Rose
Madden Claire
Madden Jo
Madden Lee
Madden Anne
Madden Skye
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Madden is also used as a boy name, ranked #690.
View Madden as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Madden and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Madden sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Madden
What does the name Madden mean?
"little hound, little dog" (from Irish). "descendant of Madán" (from Irish). Madden is an anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Madáin, meaning 'descendant of Madán,' where Madán derives from 'madra' meaning 'dog' or 'hound.' Irish dogs were highly prized as hunting companions, making this a name of noble associations. The name has transitioned from an Irish surname to a modern first name for both boys and girls.
What is the origin of the name Madden?
Madden has Irish, American, and English origins. In Irish, it means "little hound, little dog". In Irish, it means "descendant of Madán".
Is Madden a boy or girl name?
Madden is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1819. As a boy name, it is ranked #690. Madden is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Madden?
Madden is pronounced m-AD-uhn.
How popular is the name Madden?
Madden is currently ranked #1819 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Madden?
Common nicknames for Madden include Maddie and Mad.
What are good middle names for Madden?
Popular middle name pairings include Madden Grace, Madden Rose, Madden Claire, Madden Jo, Madden Lee, Madden Anne, and Madden Skye.
What are good sibling names for Madden?
Names that pair well with Madden as siblings include Maddox, Hadley, Payton, Quinn, Ryder, and Finley.
How many syllables does Madden have?
Madden has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Madden a common or rare name?
Madden is an uncommon name, ranked #1819 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Madden
Madden is a girl name with Irish, American, and English origins . The name means "little hound, little dog" in Irish .
Is Madden a boy or girl name? Madden is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,819 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #690. Madden is more commonly used as a boy name.
Madden is currently ranked #1,819 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Madden has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AD-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Madden include Maddie and Mad. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Madden include Maddison, Maddie, Maddox, Maddy, Maddyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.