Madison

1. Madison name meaning and origin

Madison is a name of English origin that means 'son of Maud' or 'son of Maddy,' derived from the medieval personal name Madde or Maddy (a diminutive of Maud). The name Maud itself has Germanic roots, coming from the Old High German 'Mahthildis,' meaning 'strength in battle.' Originally, Madison functioned exclusively as a surname, following the common English patronymic naming pattern where 'son' was added to a mother's name to create a family name.

The transition of Madison from surname to given name has an interesting historical trajectory. Its popularity as a first name, particularly for girls, surged dramatically in the late 20th century following the release of the 1984 film 'Splash,' in which the protagonist, a mermaid played by Daryl Hannah, chooses the name Madison after seeing Madison Avenue street sign. Prior to this cultural moment, Madison was rarely used as a first name for either gender. By the 1990s, Madison had become one of the most popular girls' names in the United States, representing a classic case of a surname evolving into a given name, a common pattern in American naming traditions.

2. Madison name popularity

Madison is a gender-neutral name with roots as an English surname meaning "son of Maud." The name gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly for girls following the 1984 movie "Splash," where Daryl Hannah's mermaid character adopted the name from Madison Avenue. Despite its initial surge as a female name, Madison maintains its traditional usage for boys as well.

In both the United Kingdom and United States, Madison continues to be used for both genders, though it remains more common for girls in contemporary usage. The name's versatility and modern appeal have helped maintain its presence in English-speaking countries, even as popularity trends fluctuate over time.

3. Variations and nicknames of Madison

The name Madison originated as an English surname meaning 'son of Maud,' with Maud being a medieval form of Matilda. Once primarily a masculine name, Madison underwent a dramatic shift in the late 20th century, largely due to the 1984 film 'Splash' featuring Daryl Hannah's character naming herself after New York's Madison Avenue. Today, this versatile name enjoys international popularity with several linguistic variants. In English-speaking countries, you might encounter Maddison or Madisyn as alternative spellings. European variants include Madisen (Danish), Madisonne (French), and Madisonn (German). The Russian form Медисон (Medison) and the Hebrew מדיסון maintain the name's distinctive sound while adapting to different alphabets and phonetic systems.

Madison's popularity has spawned a wealth of affectionate nicknames that suit various personalities and life stages. The most common diminutives include Maddie, Maddy, and Mads, providing casual everyday alternatives. More playful variations like Mad, Madi, Maddio, and Maddie-girl often emerge among friends and family. Some parents choose Madison specifically for these nickname options. For those seeking less obvious derivatives, Son, Sonny, and Addie provide unique alternatives. In professional settings, the full Madison generally prevails, though Maddie remains common across all contexts. The name's versatility extends to middle names as well, with Madison frequently paired with shorter names like Rose, Jane, or Grace, creating melodious combinations that have contributed to the name's enduring appeal across generations and cultural backgrounds.

4. Best name combinations with Madison

5. Numerology of Madison name

Number 3 indicates a creative, expressive, and sociable nature. Madison likely possesses strong communication skills and artistic talents. In career paths, individuals with a 3 Destiny tend to excel in fields requiring creativity, self-expression, and social interaction—such as marketing, entertainment, teaching, or the arts. In relationships, they bring joy and enthusiasm but may need to work on following through with commitments and developing emotional depth.

With a 7 Soul Urge, Madison has a deep inner desire for knowledge, spiritual understanding, and analysis. Beneath the surface lies a contemplative nature that seeks truth and wisdom. In relationships, Madison may appear reserved until trust is established, valuing deep connections over casual acquaintances. Career-wise, this number suggests satisfaction in research, analysis, specialized knowledge fields, or spiritual pursuits.

The Personality Number 5 reveals how others perceive Madison—as adaptable, freedom-loving, and versatile. Madison likely appears adventurous, quick-thinking, and resistant to restriction. In professional settings, this manifests as a talent for handling change and bringing fresh perspectives. In relationships, Madison comes across as exciting and engaging but may seem reluctant toward situations that feel confining or routine.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Madison name in pop culture

7. Famous people named Madison