What does Madison mean and where does it come from?
Madison started as a surname of Old English origin, meaning 'son of Maud.' It gained popularity as a given name for girls in the late 20th century. The usage of Madison has been largely popularized in American culture, especially through entertainment media. Notable people include actress Madison Pe
Cultural significance
Madison has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of maud, meaning 'a powerful warrior' or 'mighty warrior' in its original context.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 2001 — currently #37 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Madison?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Madison?
Madison works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madison Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madison Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madison Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madison Claire
French influence · crisp
Madison Jane
Literary · strong
Madison Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madison right now?
Holding steady — currently #37 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #37 | 5,174 | ▼ down 3 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #34 | 5,506 | ▼ down 5 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #29 | 5,962 | ▼ down 6 · -4% births |
| 2020 | #23 | 6,196 | ▼ down 12 · -39% births |
| 2015 | #11 | 10,088 | ▼ down 3 · -23% births |
| 2010 | #8 | 13,183 | ▼ down 5 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #3 | 19,568 | stable · -2% births |
| 2000 | #3 | 19,968 | ▲ up 26 · +104% births |
| 1995 | #29 | 9,774 | ▲ up 174 · +595% births |
| 1990 | #203 | 1,407 | ▲ up 422 · +369% births |
| 1985 | #625 | 300 | ▲ up 7386 · +4900% births |
| 1975 | #8011 | 6 | ▼ down 922 |
| 1970 | #7089 | 6 | — |
The story of Madison
Madison is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. It peaked at #2 in 2001, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 400,977 babies have been named Madison since 1970. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7089 in 1970 to #37 in 2023. Madison is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Madison in 2001:
Madison by decade
Madison peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 218 | |
| 1890s | 133 | |
| 1900s | 125 | |
| 1910s | 500 | |
| 1920s | 639 | |
| 1930s | 431 | |
| 1940s | 443 | |
| 1950s | 407 | |
| 1960s | 329 | |
| 1970s | 274 | |
| 1980s | 4,463 | |
| 1990s | 94,040 | |
| 2000s ★ | 194,142 | |
| 2010s | 98,611 | |
| 2020s | 6,222 | |
What are good nicknames for Madison?
ANCIENT GERMANIC
MahthildisMathilda
What names sound and feel like Madison?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madison also consider these
How is Madison written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Madison
What does the name Madison mean?
Madison means "son of Maud, meaning 'a powerful warrior' or 'mighty warrior' in its original context" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Madison?
Madison is currently ranked #37 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Madison?
Madison originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Madison?
Madison is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 D AH0 S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Madison?
Madison pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.