Madison
Madison: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmædɪsən/
Meaning and origin of Madison
Root meaning: “Maud”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
- A female given name transferred from the surname, popular since 1984 when it appeared as the name of a mermaid in the film Splash.
Etymology
Usually derived from Mathieson (Matthew + -son), occasionally from Middle English Maddy (“Maud”) + -son. In the movie Splash, its use as a given name derives from Manhattan’s Madison Avenue.
How popular is Madison?
Since 1880, 419,806 girls and 7,869 boys in the U.S. have been named Madison (98% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2 in 2001. Its highest rank for boys was #311 in 1881. In 2025 it ranked #40 for girls, with 4,963 babies given the name.
Names similar to Madison
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname girl names
Sibling name ideas for Madison
Sister and brother names that share Madison's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Madison FAQ
What does the name Madison mean?
Madison traces back to a root meaning "Maud". A male given name transferred from the surname. A female given name transferred from the surname, popular since 1984 when it appeared as the name of a mermaid in the film Splash. Usually derived from Mathieson (Matthew + -son), occasionally from Middle English Maddy (“Maud”) + -son. In the movie Splash, its use as a given name derives from Manhattan’s Madison Avenue.
What is the origin of the name Madison?
Madison is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Madison?
Since 1880, 419,806 girls and 7,869 boys in the U.S. have been named Madison (98% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2 in 2001. Its highest rank for boys was #311 in 1881. In 2025 it ranked #40 for girls, with 4,963 babies given the name.
Is Madison a boy or girl name?
Madison is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 419,806 girls and 7,869 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.