While it spent centuries existing primarily as a surname, it exploded onto the American naming scene in the early 2000s and has since cemented itself as a modern classic. It balances the softness of the “Ma” sound with the jagged edge of the “x,” making it approachable but tough.
Verdict: Maddox is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the trendy “x” ending found in names like Knox and Hendrix but has established enough history to feel timeless rather than fleeting. It is perfect for parents seeking a name that implies strength, good fortune, and a touch of rock-and-roll spirit.
Maddox Overview
- Meaning: Maddox means “son of Madoc” and “fortunate.” It can also mean “giving” and “generous.”
- Gender: Maddox is a boy’s name.
- Origin: Maddox is of Welsh and Irish origin.
- Pronunciation: “MAD-ux” or “MAD-ecks.”
- Popularity: Maddox is a popular boy name currently at the 174th position on the top 1,000 baby boy names.
- Nicknames: Dock, Docks, Dox, Mad, Maddie, Ox, and Oxy.
- Variations: Maddick, Maddocks, Madocks, Maddix, Madix, Madox, Mattick, and Mattix.
- Namesakes: Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt, Mark Maddox, Scott Maddox.
What Does Maddox Mean?
The name Maddox is a patronymic name, meaning it describes lineage. Specifically, it translates to “son of Madoc.” However, the root of the name is where the true beauty lies. The name Madoc (or Madog) is derived from the Welsh word mad, which translates to “fortunate” or “goodly” (1).
Therefore, giving your child this name is akin to wishing good luck and benevolence upon them. While some sources link it to the Welsh word “gwallgof” (meaning mad or enthusiastic), the generally accepted etymology among onomatologists favors the meaning of “fortunate” and “generous.”
Where Does the Name Maddox Come From?
Maddox began its journey as a Welsh surname, specifically an anglicized version of the Welsh personal name “Madog.”
The history here is rich with folklore. Madoc ab Owain Gwynedd was a legendary Welsh prince who, according to folklore, sailed to the Americas in 1170, over 300 years before Christopher Columbus (2). While historical evidence for the voyage is debated, the legend cements the name as one belonging to explorers and leaders.
The surname eventually crossed into Ireland and England, spelled variously as Maddock, Madawc, and Mattock, before finding its modern form as Maddox.
How Popular is the Name Maddox?
For most of the 20th century, Maddox was virtually unheard of as a first name in the United States. It was strictly a surname found in phone books, not nurseries. That changed almost overnight in the early 2000s.
The name debuted on the Social Security Administration (SSA) charts in 2003, skyrocketing nearly 400 spots in a single year. This meteoric rise is widely attributed to what naming experts call “The Angelina Effect.” When Angelina Jolie adopted her son Maddox in 2002, she transformed a dusty surname into an instant Hollywood hit.
Since then, Maddox has transitioned from a celebrity trend to a stable favorite. It peaked in rank around 2016 and 2017 (3). While it has cooled slightly from its absolute height, it remains a “top 200” staple, indicating that it is no longer just a fad but a widely accepted modern name for boys in 2025.
How Do I Pronounce Maddox?
The pronunciation is straightforward and punches on the first syllable.
Phonetic Pronunciation: MAD-uks
While the standard pronunciation uses a soft “uks” sound at the end, some dialects may sharpen the vowel sound to “MAD-ocks” or “MAD-ecks.” Both are generally accepted, though the former is the most common in North America.
Is Maddox a Boy or Girl Name?
Maddox is traditionally and statistically a male name. In the United States, it ranks highly for boys but does not currently rank in the top 1,000 for girls.
However, the “surname-as-first-name” trend often leads to gender neutrality (like Emerson or Addison). Because Maddox contains the nickname option “Maddie,” some parents have considered it for daughters, though it remains overwhelmingly masculine in usage.
Variations of Maddox
If you love the sound of Maddox but want to honor a specific heritage or prefer a different spelling, consider these variations:
- Madoc (Welsh: The original classic spelling)
- Madog (Welsh: Traditional variation)
- Maddix (Modern English: A phonetic twist)
- Madox (English: A simplified spelling)
- Maddock (English surname style)
- Maddocks (Pluralized surname style)
Nicknames for Maddox
While “Mad” is the obvious short form, a name this cool deserves nicknames that match its energy.
- Max: A natural, classic leap from the “x” ending.
- Dox: Edgy, modern, and distinct.
- Mads: A Scandinavian-style short form that feels very sophisticated.
- Maddie: A softer option, often used within the family.
- Ox: A strong, rugged nickname emphasizing physical strength.
- Moxie: A rare, creative nickname implying courage and energy.
Names Similar to Maddox
If you love the vibe of Maddox, modern, energetic, and ending in a plosive sound, but want something slightly different, consider these alternatives.
- Knox: Shares the “ox” ending and celebrity association; feels slightly more Scottish.
- Lennox: Offers the same “x” ending with a Shakespearean and aristocratic flair.
- Hendrix: Shares the rock-and-roll vibe and the “x” ending.
- Paxton: A “town name” that feels preppy yet cool.
- Madden: Very similar in sound but softer, ending in an “n” rather than an “x.”
- Jett: Shares the high-energy, modern word-name feel.
- Ryker: Another surname-turned-first-name with a slightly more rugged, aggressive tone.
- Axel: Shares the “ax” sound and the heavy metal association.
Middle Names for Maddox
Because Maddox is a strong, two-syllable name with a hard ending, it pairs best with middle names that are either short and punchy or long and lyrical.
The “Rock Star” Style
These pairings lean into the cool, edgy vibe of Maddox.
- Maddox Jett
- Maddox Cruz
- Maddox Wilder
- Maddox Stone
- Maddox Fox
The Timeless Classics
Ground the modern first name with a traditional middle name for balance.
Nature & Earthy
Soften the sharp “x” with nature-inspired choices.
- Maddox River
- Maddox Orion
- Maddox Reid
- Maddox Grey
- Maddox Brooks
Sibling Names for Maddox
Building a sib-set around Maddox requires names that are equally modern and spirited.
For a Brother
- Hudson: Matches the surname-style and popularity.
- Ryder: Shares the energetic verb-like quality.
- Kingston: Another location/surname name with regal flair.
- Zane: Short, punchy, and features a high-value Scrabble letter like Maddox.
- Beckett: Sophisticated surname style that pairs perfectly.
For a Sister
- Willow: A nature name that balances Maddox’s strength.
- Harlow: Shares the “surname” feel and the old Hollywood vibe.
- Harper: A very popular surname-name that stands toe-to-toe with Maddox.
- Nova: Short, celestial, and very modern.
- Piper: Energetic and spunky, matching Maddox’s rhythm.
Famous People Named Maddox
While originally rare, the name has graced several notable figures and athletes.
- Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt: The son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who single-handedly popularized the name globally.
- Maddox Kopp: An American football quarterback.
- Maddox Semple: A Canadian writer known for television thrillers.
- Alva Hugh Maddox: A distinguished United States federal judge.
- Tito Maddox: An American professional basketball player.
Maddox in Pop Culture
The name has filtered into fiction, often used for characters who are athletic, popular, or mysterious.
- Brooke Maddox: A central character in the TV series Scream.
- Maddox: A warlock character in the hit series The Vampire Diaries.
- Dr. Agnes Jurati (née Maddox): A character in Star Trek: Picard (referencing the surname usage).
- Maddox Grey: A character in the novel series Black Dagger Brotherhood.
FAQs About the Name Maddox
Here are the most common questions we receive from parents considering this name for their baby.
Is Maddox a Biblical Name?
No, Maddox is not a Biblical name. It does not appear in the Old or New Testaments. It is of Welsh origin derived from the personal name Madoc. If you are looking for a Biblical name with a similar sound, you might consider Matthias or Matthew.
What is the Spiritual Meaning of Maddox?
While not religious in a scriptural sense, the meaning “fortunate” or “beneficent” carries a strong spiritual vibration of blessing. In numerology, names associated with the letter “M” are often linked to stability, industriousness, and high energy.
How Do You Spell Maddox?
The most common spelling is Maddox (double d, ending in ox). However, variations include Madox, Maddix, and Maddocks. We recommend sticking to the standard “Maddox” spelling for ease of paperwork and pronunciation, as it is the version most Americans recognize instantly.
Does Maddox Have a Good Scrabble Score?
Yes! For board game loving parents, Maddox is a high-scoring name. Because of the heavy hitter letters “M” (3 points), “D” (2 points each), and the valuable “X” (8 points), the name Maddox scores a minimum of 17 points in standard Scrabble.
Why Is the Name Maddox So Popular?
The popularity is a perfect storm of cultural factors. First, Angelina Jolie’s adoption of her son in 2002 put the name on the global map. Second, the “X” ending trend (seen in Jaxon, Fox, and Knox) makes it phonetically appealing to modern ears. Third, it fits the “surname as first name” trend that dominates current American naming styles.
Is Maddox an Irish Name?
Considering its Welsh roots, Maddox is also an Irish name. Welsh and Irish are living Celtic languages. Hence, there are linguistic and etymology links between the Irish and Welsh languages (4).
Is Maddox a Caucasian Name?
More non-Hispanic Caucasians have the name Maddox than non-Hispanic African Americans according to the 2010 Census. About 69.75% of Caucasians had the name Maddox while only about 25.22% of African Americans were recorded to have the same name. No matter your race or origin, Maddox would make a great baby name!
Can Maddox Be a Name for a Girl?
Maddox can be a name for a girl. You can name your little girl any name you desire, even if it has a masculine background.
