"son of Mads (Matthew)"
Origin: Danish
Language: Danish
Madsen
Pronunciation: [ m-ADS-uhn ]
Does Madsen flow with your last name?
A cool Scandinavian surname turned distinctive first name
Danish
Norwegian
Scandinavian
American
Strong
Modern
Unique
Bold
Minimalist
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Meaning & Origin
"gift of God (via Matthew)"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Norwegian
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The Story of Madsen
Madsen is a Danish and Norwegian patronymic surname meaning son of Mads, where Mads is the Scandinavian form of Matthew. Matthew comes from the Hebrew Mattityahu, meaning gift of God. As a first name, Madsen follows the modern trend of using Scandinavian surnames as given names, bringing Nordic heritage to the forefront.
Madsen has been gaining traction as a first name in the United States alongside other Scandinavian-origin surname-names like Soren, Lars, and Axel. The rising popularity of Nordic culture, Norse mythology, and Scandinavian design has made names like Madsen appealing to parents seeking distinctive but accessible names.
In Denmark and Norway, Madsen is one of the most common surnames, carried by thousands of families. Using it as a first name in America represents the broader cultural embrace of Scandinavian aesthetics and naming traditions, part of the larger trend of Nordic cool in Western culture.
Historical Record
Madsen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 152 babies have been named Madsen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Madsen is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,685 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Madsen is one of the most common surnames in Denmark, used by approximately 65,000 Danes
- The Mads nickname is extremely popular in Denmark as a standalone name
- Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen has helped bring Nordic male names to international recognition
Madsen in Other Languages
Danish
Madsen
English
Madsen
Swedish
Mattson
Norwegian
Madsen
Popularity Over Time
#5,685
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Madsen
M
Mads Mikkelsen
Actor
1965
Danish actor known for Hannibal, Casino Royale, and Doctor Strange, widely regarded as Denmark`s biggest international s...
Danish actor known for Hannibal, Casino Royale, and Doctor Strange, widely regarded as Denmark`s biggest international star
M
Michael Madsen
Actor
1957
American actor known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films including Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill
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Compare Madsen with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,685
- Total SSA Count
- 16
- Cultural Origins
- Danish Norwegian Scandinavian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mads
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Madsen
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Madsen
Phonetic neighbors that share Madsen's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Madsen is also used as a girl name, ranked #46476.
View Madsen as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Danish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madsen
What does the name Madsen mean?
"son of Mads (Matthew)" (from Danish). "gift of God (via Matthew)" (from Hebrew). Madsen is a Danish and Norwegian patronymic surname meaning son of Mads, where Mads is the Scandinavian form of Matthew. Matthew comes from the Hebrew Mattityahu, meaning gift of God. As a first name, Madsen follows the modern trend of using Scandinavian surnames as given names, bringing Nordic heritage to the forefront.
What is the origin of the name Madsen?
Madsen has Danish, Hebrew, Norwegian, Scandinavian, and American origins. In Danish, it means "son of Mads (Matthew)". In Hebrew, it means "gift of God (via Matthew)".
Is Madsen a boy or girl name?
Madsen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5685. As a girl name, it is ranked #46476. Madsen is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Madsen?
Madsen is pronounced m-ADS-uhn.
How popular is the name Madsen?
Madsen is currently ranked #5685 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Madsen?
Common nicknames for Madsen include Mads.
What are good middle names for Madsen?
Popular middle name pairings include Madsen James, Madsen Cole, Madsen Finn, Madsen Erik, Madsen Lars, Madsen Kai, and Madsen Reed.
What are good sibling names for Madsen?
Names that pair well with Madsen as siblings include Lars, Soren, Axel, Ingrid, Freya, Astrid, and Bjorn.
How many syllables does Madsen have?
Madsen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Madsen a common or rare name?
Madsen is an uncommon name, ranked #5685 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Madsen?
Are there other spellings for Madsen?
Related spellings include Mads.
Browse all middle names, sibling names, or similar names.
About the Name Madsen
Madsen is a boy name with Danish, Norwegian, Scandinavian, and American origins . The name means "son of Mads (Matthew)" in Danish .
Is Madsen a boy or girl name? Madsen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,685 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #46,476. Madsen is more commonly used as a boy name.
Madsen is currently ranked #5,685 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Madsen has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-ADS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Madsen include Mads. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Madsen include Mads . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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