Madison

Pronunciation: [ m-AD-uhs-uhn ]

Boy Name #3,305 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A presidential surname turned modern unisex name

American English

Classic Strong Traditional Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"son of Matthew"

Origin: English surname

Language: English

"gift of God"

Origin: Hebrew via English

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Madison

James Madison

Politician

1751

4th President of the United States and chief author of the US Constitution

Madison (mermaid) Fictional

Other

Mermaid protagonist of the 1984 film Splash, played by Daryl Hannah, who popularized the name for girls

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

Pairs Well With

Madison James Madison Lee Madison Cole Madison Grant Madison Blake Madison Scott Madison Ray

Sibling Names

Addison Carter Parker Logan Riley Jordan

Also a Girl Name

Madison is also used as a girl name, ranked #46.

View Madison as a girl name →

Similar Names

Nathan Jackson Judson Major Jason Lawson Johnson Watson

Playground Safety

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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.