The name carries a rhythmic strength, balanced by the softness of its nickname potential. Whether you view it as a sophisticated surname-turn-first-name or a bubbly, spirited moniker, Madison offers versatility.
Verdict: Madison is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025 if you are looking for a name that is universally recognized, easy to spell, and carries a sense of upbeat confidence without being too obscure.
Madison Overview
- Meaning: The name Madison tends to mean “son of Matthew.”
- Gender: Madison is a unisex name but it is typically given to girls.
- Origin: The name Madison originated as an English surname before evolving into a given name. It might have come from Mathieson, which also means “son of Matthew.”
- Pronunciation: You pronounce the name Madison as “MAD-uh-sin,” emphasizing the first syllable slightly.
- Popularity: In 2001, Madison was the second most popular name for girls born in the United States before bumping down to seventh place in 2009. It ranked 29th in 2021.
- Nicknames: Dee-Dee, Em, Emmy, Maddy, Mads, Madz, Madzz, Sonny, Sun.
- Variations: Maddison, Maddisyn, Madisyn, Madison, Madisson, Maddyson, Madyson.
- Namesakes: Madison Beer (American singer and actress), Madison Pettis (American child actress), Maddie Zeigler (American dancer).
What Does Madison Mean?
At its core, the name Madison is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the name of a father or ancestor. The most widely accepted meaning is “son of Matthew” or “son of Maude.”
However, to understand the depth of the name, we must look at the roots of “Matthew” and “Maude.” Matthew is of Hebrew origin, meaning “gift of Yahweh” or “gift of God.” Therefore, Madison carries the hidden spiritual connotation of being a “child of the gift of God.”
Alternatively, if derived from Maude, the name takes on a fiercer definition. Maude is a Germanic variation of Matilda, which translates to “mighty in battle.” This gives Madison a dual personality: it is both a divine gift and a strong warrior (1).
Where Does the Name Madison Come From?
Madison originated in England as a surname. It was used to identify the children of a man named Mathieson or a woman named Maud. For centuries, it remained firmly in the “last name” category, most notably attached to James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and a Founding Father.
The transition from a surname to a first name, specifically a girl’s name, is a fascinating study in pop culture influence. While there were rare instances of it being used for boys in the early 20th century, the name exploded onto the scene for girls instantly following the 1984 film Splash. In a famous scene, the mermaid character adopts the name after seeing a street sign for Madison Avenue. The joke in the movie was that “Madison is not a name,” but American parents disagreed. Within two decades, it had become the second most popular girl’s name in the country.
How Popular is the Name Madison?
Madison is a phenomenon in the world of onomatology (the study of names). It is the quintessential example of a “meteoric rise.” After virtually zero usage for girls prior to 1985, it skyrocketed through the 1990s, becoming a defining name for the Millennial and early Gen Z generations.
It held a spot in the Top 10 for many years, peaking at number 2 in 2001. While it has cooled off since its ubiquitous dominance in the early 2000s, it has not crashed. Instead, it has stabilized. According to Social Security Administration data, it remains a Top 50 choice (2). This trajectory suggests Madison has graduated from being a “trend” to becoming a modern classic, similar to how names like Shirley or Ashley defined previous generations.
How Do I Pronounce Madison?
The pronunciation is straightforward and phonetic, which adds to its appeal. It is spoken as “MAD-ih-sin.”
- Syllable breakdown: Mad-i-son
- Emphasis: The stress falls firmly on the first syllable.
While the standard English pronunciation is dominant, you may occasionally hear the last syllable pronounced closer to “sun” rather than “sin” depending on the regional dialect.
Is Madison a Boy or Girl Name?
Historically, because of the suffix “-son,” Madison was technically a male descriptor. It appeared in the Top 1,000 for boys sporadically until the 1950s. However, in contemporary usage, the script has flipped completely.
Today, Madison is overwhelmingly considered a female name. While unisex usage is rising for many surnames (like Parker or Riley), Madison has leaned so heavily feminine over the last 30 years that a boy named Madison is now considered a rare and bold choice.
Variations of Madison
While the classic spelling is the most timeless, parents looking to add a unique flair often opt for alternative spellings. These variations often replace vowels with ‘y’ or double the consonants.
- Maddison: A common English variation doubling the ‘d’.
- Madisyn: A modern twist using the popular ‘y’ replacement.
- Madyson: Another distinctive styling focusing on the final syllable.
- Maddisyn: A more complex spelling combining both variations.
- Madisson: A rare variation doubling the ‘s’.
Nicknames for Madison
One of the best features of this name is its versatility in nicknames. You can go with the obvious, or choose something surprisingly edgy.
Common Nicknames:
- Maddie / Maddy: The universal standard. Sweet, friendly, and approachable.
- Mads: A cool, shorter version often used by teens and adults.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Maz / Mazzy: A spunky, high-energy alternative that feels rock-and-roll.
- Sunny: A play on the “son” suffix, perfect for a happy baby.
- May: A vintage-style contraction of the first syllable.
- Ads / Addie: Dropping the “M” for a softer sound.
Names Similar to Madison
If you love the vibe of Madison, that sweet spot between preppy surname and feminine classic, but want something slightly different, consider these names.
- Addison: Culturally, this is Madison’s younger sister. It shares the same rhythm and “-son” ending but feels slightly more contemporary.
- Brooklyn: Like Madison, this is a New York City-inspired place name that became a massive hit in the 2000s.
- Mackenzie: Sharing the “M” initial and the surname history, Mackenzie offers a similar sporty, unisex feel.
- Kennedy: Another presidential surname that transitioned seamlessly into a beloved girl’s name.
- Avery: If you like the unisex history of Madison but want something softer and nature-adjacent, Avery is a top contender.
- Emerson: A distinguished surname-name that offers the cute nickname “Em” or “Emmy.”
- Peyton: Shares the Southern-belle-meets-tomboy charm that Madison exudes.
- Madeline: The traditional, French cousin to Madison. It offers the same “Maddie” nickname but with a vintage, storybook elegance.
Middle Names for Madison
Because Madison is a three-syllable name ending in a consonant, it pairs beautifully with shorter, softer names to create balance. Here are three distinct styles to help you choose.
Short & Sweet
These one-syllable names ground the rhythmic bounce of Madison.
Nature Inspired
To soften the “surname” feel, pair it with something botanical or earthy.
Classic & Timeless
Elevate the name by pairing it with a name that has centuries of history.
Sibling Names for Madison
Creating a sib-set for Madison usually involves looking for other names that bridge the gap between “traditional” and “modern.”
For a Brother
You generally want a name that is masculine but shares that polished, established surname style.
- Mason: Shares the initial and popularity era.
- Tyler: A classic 90s/00s pairing that sounds great together.
- Jackson: Another strong “-son” name that feels rugged.
- Austin: A geography-based name that matches Madison’s energy.
- Ryan: Simple, sporty, and timeless.
- Cooper: Preppy and friendly.
For a Sister
Sister names often share the unisex trend or the open vowel sounds.
- Taylor: Perhaps the ultimate stylistic match for Madison.
- Sydney: Another major city name that peaked around the same time.
- Morgan: Shares the ‘M’ and the unisex history.
- Riley: Upbeat, Irish, and spunky.
- Harper: The modern successor to the Madison popularity throne.
- Olivia: If you want a more feminine contrast that is equally popular.
Famous People Named Madison
Madison has been a superstar name for decades, meaning there are plenty of notable figures in the public eye who bear the moniker.
- Madison Beer: An American singer and internet personality who gained fame after being discovered by Justin Bieber.
- Madison Pettis: An American actress known for her childhood roles on the Disney Channel and in the film The Game Plan.
- Maddie Ziegler: Born Madison Nicole Ziegler, she is an American dancer and actress who gained worldwide fame on Dance Moms and in Sia’s music videos.
- Madison Bumgarner: A famous male example; he is a professional baseball pitcher and World Series champion, proving the name has grit.
- James Madison: The 4th President of the United States, from whom the name largely originates historically.
Madison in Pop Culture
Fiction is what gave this name its wings. Here are the characters that made Madison iconic.
- Madison in Splash (1984): The mermaid played by Daryl Hannah who literally put the name on the map for girls.
- Madison McCarthy in Glee: A cheerleader character in the later seasons of the hit musical show.
- Madison Montgomery in American Horror Story: Coven: A witch played by Emma Roberts, known for being fashionable and fierce.
- Madison Sinclair in Veronica Mars: A recurring character in the cult-classic mystery series.
FAQs About the Name Madison
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this enduring name.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Madison?
Some people see Madison’s meaning of “son of Matthew,” and they might interpret Matthew as the disciple from the Bible. By extension, since the name Matthew means “gift from God” and Madison means “son of Matthew,” you can interpret Madison to mean “gift from God” as well.
What Does Madison Mean in Greek?
In Greek, the name Madison could derive from the medieval Greek and French name Madeleine, which means “woman from Magdala.”
What Does the Name Madison Mean for Personality?
Often, people associate the name Madison with a big personality. For example, a person named Madison might be an expressive and creative person with a talent for painting or writing. They might also love to get to know people and hear stories, which sometimes leads to a career in journalism or blogging.
Is the Name Madison Dated?
While Madison peaked in the early 2000s, it is not considered “dated” in the same way names like “Linda” or “Susan” might be. It has transitioned into a “modern classic.” It is still very commonly used, ranking in the Top 50 in the US, meaning it is an established, safe, and beloved choice for modern parents.
Why Is Madison Associated With Mermaids?
The association comes entirely from the 1984 movie Splash. In the film, the main character is a mermaid who comes onto land in New York City. When asked for her name, she looks at a street sign for “Madison Avenue” and decides to call herself Madison. Before this movie, the name was virtually unused for girls.
Can Madison Be a Boy Name?
Yes, Madison can be a boy’s name. Etymologically, it means “Son of Matthew,” which is a masculine descriptor. However, since the 1990s, the usage has swung overwhelmingly toward girls (over 99% female usage in recent years). If you use it for a boy, it will be considered a unique and possibly daring choice.
Is Madison a Biblical Name?
Madison does not appear directly in the Bible. However, it is indirectly biblical because it is a derivative of Matthew. Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament.
What Are the Most Common Alternate Spellings for Madison?
The most popular alternative spellings involve replacing the “i” or “o” with a “y.” “Madisyn” and “Maddison” (with two d’s) are the most frequently seen variations on the Social Security charts, though the original spelling remains the clear favorite.
