Hey there, future parents! Are you tired of the same old, same old when it comes to baby names? We are going to meet a new “face” today. Ever heard of a name that sounds like a superhero’s secret identity? Or are you a fan of classic names with a modern twist? Well, Madison’s got that vibe!
A timeless, yet trendsetting name, just like the classic sneakers that never run out of fashion. So, if you are looking for a name that is as enduring as your love for your child, let’s plunge into the world of Madison! BabiesParent will share everything about the Madison name meaning. Let’s uncover the secrets behind this timeless name!
Madison Name Meaning and Origin
Are you ready to meet Madison, the name with a fascinating history, as unique as your little boy? The origin of this popular modern-day English name is a story to be told. If you are looking for a name as vibrant as your little one’s personality, then look no further.
Madison Name Origin
The beautiful last name of Madison originated in England and means ‘son of Matthew’ or ‘son of Maud’. It has a pretty cool association with James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, serving from 1809 through 1817. Some surmise that it might have been a variant spelling of ‘Mathieson’. But these days, Madison is more often used as a first name.
Madison Name Meaning
What does name Madison mean? Derived from the Old English names ‘son of Maud’ or ‘son of Matthew,’ Madison signifies a son. This connotation often evokes a sense of pride and heritage associated with the birth of a son.
Interestingly, the name ‘Maud’ itself was derived from the name ‘Matilda,’ which in Old High German means ‘mighty in battle.’ This combination of ‘maht’ for might and ‘hiltja’ for battle therefore gives a connotation of strength and protective qualities to the Madison name meaning.
Popularity Of Madison’s Name
You might be surprised to learn how the name Madison’s popularity has evolved. Despite the strong and proud Madison name meaning, it wasn’t always a popular choice for baby boys. The name Madison first appeared on the U.S. Social Security Administration‘s list of the top 1000 baby boy names in 1900.
Of course, it never caught on. The highest rating was achieved in 1903 at 514, with approximately 18 baby boys named Madison that year. Though the name shared a connection with President James Madison and the Wisconsin city of Madison, the name was truly uncommon. It vanished from the boy’s name list after 2004.
Things didn’t change until the movie Splash was released in 1984. Madison was the name of the mermaid in the movie and suddenly it became a very popular choice for girls’ names!
Madison leaped onto the list of girls’ names in 1985 and shot up the rankings. By 1997, it reached the top 10, where it would stay for nearly 20 years. Madison reached its zenith in 2001 and 2002 when it came in second to Emily. Today, Madison still holds a respectable ranking for girls, coming in at number 36 in 2023.
It would show that Madison has emerged as the favorite name for both boys and girls, for which reason parents love the meaning of the name Madison. Whether you name Madison to your son or daughter, you are naming them with something eternally historical yet having a bright future.
Famous People With The Name Madison
To help our young parents better understand the Madison name meaning, we will learn about some famous people associated with this name.
Madison, the Character from Splash
While the name Madison is often associated with the character from the film Splash, it’s worth noting that this fictional mermaid had a significant impact on the name’s popularity. In the movie Splash, played by the gorgeous Daryl Hannah, Madison the mermaid captured our hearts.
The story goes that she couldn’t say human names, so she picked “Madison” from a street sign when she was lost in New York City. She was so curious about our world and fell for Tom Hanks, the guy who helped her out.
People loved Madison because she was beautiful, innocent, and always up for an adventure. She was like a breath of fresh air, and it’s no surprise that she’s become one of the most iconic mermaids in movies. Because of her, the name Madison became really popular and has been ever since.
James Madison
When discussing the Madison name meaning and origins, the name James Madison frequently arises. In fact, Madison is the surname of the fourth President of the United States. While the given name is derived from his surname, James Madison himself had enormous effects on what the name means.
James Madison, born in 1751 and died in 1836, was a president from 1809 until 1817. He is also considered one of the “Founding Fathers” of this country because he was one of those who helped create the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. More than that, he is known for being one of the primary authors of “The Federalist Papers,” the collection of essays written to support the newly ratified Constitution.
Before his presidency, James Madison was Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson. During his presidency, many perils faced him; among them included the War of 1812 with Great Britain. Madison was a very visionary man who supported religious liberty and democracy.
Madison Keys
Madison Keys is one of the highly-ranked American tennis stars. She is famous for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style. She has been one of the running stars on the WTA tour for years and reached finals in major tournaments such as the US Open.
Off the court, Madison is highly appreciated because of her warm personality and awareness of mental health, using her platform to talk openly about self-care and a positive mindset. She is a real favorite to fans due to not only her talent on the court but also her honest-to-goodness and humility.
Madison Cawthorn
Madison Cawthorn was a former U.S. congressman and one of the youngest members to ever be elected into the House of Representatives. Because of his unfiltered views on just about everything, along with his conservative politics, he grew to become one of the most recognizable figures on the national stage.
The story of Madison Cawthorn has been an inspiration to many, personified in the life-altering car accident. Always strong and determined to surmount every obstacle ahead, the determination and drive have always striven to succeed. No longer in Congress, he stays active in political conversations and activism.
Madison De La Garza
When Madison De La Garza was a small child, she landed her big break as Juanita Solis on the popular television program “Desperate Housewives.” Bright with personality and her bright smile, she stole the screen with charm and talent since she was little.
Apart from acting, Madison is also a half-sister of Demi Lovato and shared what it was like to grow up in the spotlight. But as Madison grew older, she started to work more behind the camera, where one finds her displaying a burgeoning creativity both in front of and outside the screen.
Similar Names To Meaning of the Name Madison
By now, you’ve probably unraveled the mystery behind the Madison name meaning. Ever wondered about names that share a similar sound but carry unique stories? Let’s embark on a journey to discover these hidden gems!
Matthew
If you liked the meaning of the name Madison “son of Matthew” then you will definitely like the name “father” Matthew. Matthew is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the name “Matityahu” which means gift from God. People named Matthew are often considered to be kind, intelligent, and have leadership abilities.
Edison
Edison is similar in name to Madison. The name is a compound of the words “son” and “Ed,” which means rich. Edison suggests wealth and power. The name is often associated with creativity and intelligence, like the famous inventor Thomas Edison.
Oliver
Oliver, which means olive tree, is derived from the Latin word “oliva”. The olive tree is a representation of peace and wisdom. In the Bible, the olive tree symbolizes new hope. Therefore, the name Oliver represents the parents’ hope that their son will grow up to be intelligent and loving to everyone around him.
Harrison
This is a name of Old English origin, the name of an occupation, referring to someone who works on a farm. Harrison symbolizes a son who is always hard-working, loyal, and has a high sense of responsibility.
William
William is a beautiful male name of Old German origin, derived from the word “Willahelm”, meaning “strong helmet”. This name represents the parents’ wishes for their son. The boy William is strong-willed, decisive, and protective of those he loves.
Levi
Levi means “connection” in Hebrew. This name is often given by parents to their firstborn son to assess their emotional connection. In addition, the name Levi can also imply the wish that their little prince will become sociable, have good social relationships, and be trustworthy.
Joshua
One of the popular biblical boy names, Joshua is derived from “Yehoshua”, which means God saves me or God’s salvation. Joshua symbolizes courage, leadership, and protection.
David
And of course, we cannot fail to mention the “beloved” boy David. “David” means “beloved” in Hebrew, which is where this name originates. David is often considered to be talented, attractive, and loved by many people.
FAQs
Actually, Madison name meaning Bible is not specifically mentioned. But if Matthew is a “gift of God” and Madison is his son, it is also possible to understand Madison as a gift from God.
Madison can be shortened to nicknames for boys like Mad, Maddie, Maddi,… Depending on your child’s interests or personality, you can choose a suitable nickname.
Yes, for boys. Although the Madison name meaning is very cool and strong, it is not very popular for boys. On the contrary, the name Madison is one of the most popular names for girls.
Final Thought
From its English roots to its Hollywood debut, Madison has proven to be a name that’s as versatile as it is beautiful. It’s a name that’s both strong and sweet, classic, cool, and a whole lot of fun. Hopefully, the information BabiesParent brought today has helped you better understand the Madison name meaning. So, if you’re looking for a name that will stand the test of time, Madison is the perfect choice. Happy naming!
