Madison: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Madison is a primarily female name of English origin, meaning "son of Maud" or "son of Matthew". Originally a surname, it became one of the most popular American girls' names of the early 2000s.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | English (surname-derived) |
| Meaning | "Son of Maud" or "Son of Matthew" |
| Gender | Female (originally surname/male) |
| Pronunciation | MAD-i-sun |
Etymology of Madison
Madison derives from an English surname meaning "son of Maud" (a medieval form of Matilda) or possibly "son of Matthew". The "-son" suffix is a patronymic element common in English surnames.
The name Maud itself comes from the Germanic name Mahthildis, meaning "strength in battle". Matthew has Hebrew origins, meaning "gift of God". Thus, Madison carries the indirect meaning of either "descendant of the mighty in battle" or "descendant of God's gift", depending on which root is accepted.
Madison entered use as a given name in the United States primarily as a masculine name in the 19th century, honoring President James Madison. However, its dramatic shift to female usage occurred in the late 20th century, representing a broader trend of surnames becoming first names.
History of Madison
Origins and Early Use
Madison began as a patronymic English surname in medieval times. As a given name, it appeared occasionally for boys in 19th-century America, often as a tribute to James Madison, the fourth President of the United States (1809-1817) and "Father of the Constitution".
Before 1980, Madison was rarely used as a first name for either gender, ranking outside the top 1000 for girls.
Rise to Popularity
The name's explosive rise for girls is directly traceable to a single cultural moment: the 1984 film Splash, in which Daryl Hannah's mermaid character chooses "Madison" as her human name after seeing a street sign for Madison Avenue in New York City. The film treated this as humorous—the Tom Hanks character protests "Madison isn't a name!"—but it sparked a naming revolution.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Film Splash released | Madison enters top 1000 for girls (#627) |
| 1990s | Surname-as-first-name trend accelerates | Madison climbs to top 10 |
| 2001 | Peak popularity year | Reaches #2 nationally (22,166 births) |
Modern Usage
From the mid-1980s through the 2000s, Madison became emblematic of American naming trends: surname-derived, gender-neutral in form but adopted overwhelmingly for girls, and associated with upward mobility and modernity.
As of 2024, Madison ranks #46 with 4,563 births, showing a significant decline from its peak but remaining in regular use. The name has spread internationally, though it remains most popular in English-speaking countries.
Gender Shift
Madison's shift from surname to male given name to overwhelmingly female given name occurred rapidly:
- Pre-1984: Rare as a first name; when used, slightly more common for boys
- 1985-1990: Sharp rise for girls post-Splash
- 1990s-2000s: Became a top-tier girls' name; boys' usage declined proportionally
- Current ratio: Over 99% female in birth records
The shift reflects a pattern where surname-based names, once adopted for girls, rarely return to male usage. The cultural association with the Splash character cemented Madison's identity as a girls' name for subsequent generations.
Key insight: Madison rose because it combined the 1980s-1990s preference for surname-names with a memorable pop culture moment, and declined as naming trends shifted toward vintage revivals and international names in the 2010s-2020s.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Madison when they want to convey modernity, strength, and American identity, especially in contexts involving professional aspiration and contemporary femininity without excessive ornamentation.
Variants of Madison
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Madison | Standard spelling |
| English | Madisen | Phonetic variant |
| English | Madisyn | Modern spelling variation |
| English | Maddison | British-influenced double-d |
| English | Madyson | Creative respelling |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
- Maddie/Maddy (most common)
- Mads
- Addie
- Mae/May
Similar Names
- Addison - Similar surname-derived pattern, also rose in 1990s-2000s
- Mackenzie - Scottish surname, similar popularity trajectory for girls
- Morgan - Welsh surname-name, gender-neutral usage
- Riley - Irish surname, became popular for girls around the same era
Madison Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | - | - |
| 1920s | - | - |
| 1940s | - | - |
| 1960s | - | - |
| 1980s | - | - |
| 2000s | #3 | 19,968 |
| 2020s | #23 | 6,249 |
| 2024s | #46 | 4,563 |
Peak: 2001, ranked #2 (22,166 births)
Current (2024): #46 (4,563 births)
Trend analysis: Madison's decline from its peak reflects the natural lifecycle of trendy names and a cultural shift away from 1990s-2000s naming aesthetics. However, its continued presence in the top 50 suggests staying power beyond pure trendiness.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Madison as a Username
Availability
"madison" as a username is highly likely to be taken on major platforms due to the name's extreme popularity in the 1990s-2010s. Millions of Madisons now use digital services, creating intense competition for the base form.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | madison | Professional (if available) |
| With numbers | madison99, madi2001 | Gaming, birth year reference |
| Abbreviated | mads, maddi | Social media, casual platforms |
| Stylized | xmadison, madisonx | Creative accounts, preserves full name |
| Nickname-based | maddie, maddiej | Informal, approachable tone |
Digital Impression
Madison as an ID tends to project:
- Contemporary professionalism - because it became popular during the modern era and lacks archaic associations
- American cultural identity - because it peaked in the US and references an American president/city
- Approachability - because the common nickname "Maddie" is friendly and informal
Best for: Professional networks, creative portfolios, lifestyle content where a modern, relatable persona is desired.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to avoid associations with 1990s-2000s American pop culture.
Is Madison good for a username?
Madison works well as a username if you value clarity, professionalism, and a contemporary feel. However, due to its peak popularity in the 2000s, you will almost certainly need variations like "madisonj", "mads", or "madison" with numbers to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Madison mean?
Madison means "son of Maud" or "son of Matthew" from English surname origins. The name Maud derives from Germanic roots meaning "strength in battle".
Is Madison popular?
According to SSA data, Madison ranks #46 in the US (2024). It is declining from its early 2000s peak but remains in regular use.
What are nicknames for Madison?
Common nicknames: Maddie/Maddy, Mads, Addie, Mae.
Is Madison a boy's or girl's name?
Madison is traditionally a surname and was historically used as a male given name in the 19th century. Since the 1984 film Splash, it has been overwhelmingly adopted as a girls' name in the United States, with over 99% female usage in recent decades.
How do you pronounce Madison?
Madison is pronounced MAD-i-sun. The stress is on the first syllable.
Is Madison good for a username?
Madison works well as a username if you value contemporary professionalism and clarity, though high popularity means you'll likely need variations for availability.
Related Names
- Addison - Similar surname-origin pattern, also popular in 2000s
- Madeline - Shares nickname "Maddie", classic feminine alternative
- Morgan - Surname-name, gender-neutral usage pattern
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026