Is Madison originally a boy's name or a girl's name?

Madison began as an English surname and was historically used as a masculine first name before becoming a highly popular feminine name in the 1980s.

What caused the sudden rise in popularity for Madison as a girl's name?

The 1984 movie 'Splash' is widely credited for the trend, where the mermaid character chooses the name from a Madison Avenue street sign.

What are common nicknames for Madison?

The most common nicknames are Maddie, Maddy, and Mads.

Does the name Madison have a religious meaning?

Through its connection to the name Matthew, it can be linked to the Hebrew meaning 'gift of Yahweh', though its primary origin is patronymic.

Name meaning & originMadison

/MAD-ih-sun/

English

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Madison is an English baby name pronounced /MAD-ih-sun/. This name literally translates to 'son of Maud' or 'son of Matthew'.

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Meaning of Madison

This name literally translates to 'son of Maud' or 'son of Matthew'.

It originated as an English surname derived from the medieval female name Madde (a diminutive of Maud) or from the male name Matthew. The surname transitioned into a given name for boys in the 19th century, notably influenced by James Madison. It surged as a popular female name in the late 20th century, particularly following the 1984 film 'Splash'.

Origin: English
Pronunciation: /MAD-ih-sun/

Cultural background

While traditionally a masculine surname, it is currently one of the most common feminine names in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variations & nicknames

Madisyn
Madyson
Maddison
Maddie
Maddy
Madisen

Famous people named Madison

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

Madison Bumgarner
Professional baseball pitcher and three-time World Series champion
Sport · 21st Century
Madison Beer
American singer and songwriter who rose to fame on YouTube
Music · 21st Century
Madison Cawthorn
Former U.S. Representative for North Carolina
Politics · 21st Century
Madison Hubbell
Olympic ice dancer and world medalist
Sport · 21st Century
Madison Grant
American lawyer, writer, and zoologist
Science · Late 19th/Early 20th Century
Madison Hu
American actress known for her roles on Disney Channel
Film · 21st Century

Frequently asked about Madison

Is Madison originally a boy's name or a girl's name?: Madison began as an English surname and was historically used as a masculine first name before becoming a highly popular feminine name in the 1980s.
What caused the sudden rise in popularity for Madison as a girl's name?: The 1984 movie 'Splash' is widely credited for the trend, where the mermaid character chooses the name from a Madison Avenue street sign.
What are common nicknames for Madison?: The most common nicknames are Maddie, Maddy, and Mads.
Does the name Madison have a religious meaning?: Through its connection to the name Matthew, it can be linked to the Hebrew meaning 'gift of Yahweh', though its primary origin is patronymic.

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