Mads

“gift of God”

Danish origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#3848US 2023

29Births / yr

↑Rising

113All-time births

📅 Since 201100

What does Mads mean and where does it come from?

Mads is a Scandinavian name derived from the Hebrew name Matityahu (translated to Matthew), meaning 'gift of God.' In Denmark and Norway, it has become a common given name, often seen as a short form of Mads' and variants like Madsen. The name has historical significance in Scandinavia, appearing in

Cultural significance

Mads has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Danish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift of god.

Peak popularity

Reached #4494 in 2020 — currently #3848 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Mads?

Mads works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Mads Grace

How popular is Mads right now?

Rising fast — up 533 spots — currently #3848 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2015–2023#3848 · Top 2.8%

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3848	29	▲ up 533 · +21% births
2022	#4381	24	▼ down 676 · -20% births
2021	#3705	30	▲ up 789 · +36% births
2020	#4494	22	▲ up 2159 · +69% births
2015	#6653	13	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Mads

Best Year2021Rank #3705

Peak Count30

Average Rank#4616

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2015 - 20235 years

The story of Mads

Mads is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2011. With 113 total births recorded, Mads remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6653 in 2015 to #3848 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Mads in 2020:

Liam Noah Oliver Elijah William

💎Mads has only 113 total recorded births since 2011 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Mads?

Common

What names sound and feel like Mads?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mads also consider these

Mats

Netherlands · Gift of God

Mars

Latin · God of War;

Mays

American · the month of

Maks

Poland · language: Derived from

Mas

Japanese · a common given

How is Mads written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Mads?

Matea CROATIAN Mateja CROATIAN Mattea ITALIAN Mateja SLOVENE Yahweh THEOLOGY

Common questions about the name Mads

What does the name Mads mean?

Mads means "gift of God" — a name rooted in Danish 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 Mads?

Mads is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mads have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Mads?

Mads originates from Danish tradition. Danish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How does Mads sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Mads flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Mads ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.

Is Mads trending right now?

Mads is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.