"son of Madoc, fortunate"
Origin: Welsh
Language: English
Maddox
Pronunciation: [ m-AD-uhks ]
Girl Name
#2,158 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A bold Welsh explorer name now blazing new trails for girls
Welsh
English
American
Bold
Modern
Strong
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"beneficent, good"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
The Story of Maddox
Maddox is a Welsh patronymic surname meaning son of Madoc, where Madoc itself means fortunate or beneficent. Maddoc was a legendary Welsh prince who, according to folklore, sailed to America in 1170, centuries before Columbus. The name transitioned to female use after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their adopted son Maddox in 2002.
While traditionally a boys surname, Maddox crossed gender lines after Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie adopted their son Maddox Chivan in 2002. The name gained further visibility through the celebrity couple, and parents began using it for girls, drawn to its strong, edgy sound that defies traditional gender expectations.
In Welsh tradition, Madoc or Madog ab Owain Gwynedd is a legendary explorer said to have discovered America in 1170. Whether historical or myth, this makes Maddox a name with an adventurous spirit built into its very origin.
Fun Facts
- Maddox comes from the legendary Welsh prince Madoc, said to have discovered America in 1170
- Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt naming their son Maddox in 2002 helped popularize this name for both genders
Maddox in Other Languages
Latin
Maddocus
Welsh
Madoc
Famous People Named Maddox
M
Maddox Jolie-Pitt
Other
2001
Adopted son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, whose adoption brought this name to global attention
M
Madoc (legendary Welsh prince)
Explorer
Legendary 12th-century Welsh prince said to have sailed to America before Columbus
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,158
- Total SSA Count
- 88
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Maddy
Madd
Pairs Well With
Maddox Grace
Maddox Rose
Maddox Jo
Maddox Reese
Maddox Blair
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Maddox is also used as a boy name, ranked #215.
View Maddox as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maddox
What does the name Maddox mean?
"son of Madoc, fortunate" (from Welsh). "beneficent, good" (from Welsh). Maddox is a Welsh patronymic surname meaning son of Madoc, where Madoc itself means fortunate or beneficent. Maddoc was a legendary Welsh prince who, according to folklore, sailed to America in 1170, centuries before Columbus. The name transitioned to female use after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their adopted son Maddox in 2002.
What is the origin of the name Maddox?
Maddox has Welsh, English, and American origins. In Welsh, it means "son of Madoc, fortunate". In Welsh, it means "beneficent, good".
Is Maddox a boy or girl name?
Maddox is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2158. As a boy name, it is ranked #215. Maddox is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Maddox?
Maddox is pronounced m-AD-uhks.
How popular is the name Maddox?
Maddox is currently ranked #2158 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maddox?
Common nicknames for Maddox include Maddy and Madd.
What are good middle names for Maddox?
Popular middle name pairings include Maddox Grace, Maddox Rose, Maddox Jo, Maddox Reese, and Maddox Blair.
What are good sibling names for Maddox?
Names that pair well with Maddox as siblings include Knox, Zahara, Pax, Shiloh, and Vivienne.
How many syllables does Maddox have?
Maddox has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maddox a common or rare name?
Maddox is an uncommon name, ranked #2158 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Maddox
Maddox is a girl name with Welsh, English, and American origins . The name means "son of Madoc, fortunate" in Welsh .
Is Maddox a boy or girl name? Maddox is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,158 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #215. Maddox is more commonly used as a boy name.
Maddox is currently ranked #2,158 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Maddox has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AD-uhks, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maddox include Maddy and Madd. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Maddox include Maddison, Maddie, Madden, Maddy, Maddyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.