Madison

Unisex
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ˈmædɪsən/

Madison: a unisex name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son". It derives from the Hebrew word (MAHTHILDIS) (Matthaîos).

Madison has maintained its appeal as a both name in modern times while preserving its Hebrew roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.

Quick Facts About Madison

Quick facts about Madison
OriginHebrew, Germanic
GenderUnisex
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son. Madison is a popular female given name in the United States. From a practically non-existent girl’s name before 1985, Madison rose to be the second most popular name given to female babies in 2001. Originally Madison was only used as a surname, a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew, although occasionally standing for Maddy’s son, where Maddy is a pet form of “Maud” linked to the Germanic root: “mahthildis.” 1) “maud,” mighty in battle, strong in combat. The name derives from the Old High German name “Mahthilt,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*mahti-” (might, power, ability) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). 2) “Matthew” gift of the Lord, the gift of Yahweh, the gift of Jehovah. It is a given name that ultimately comes from the Hebrew name mattithyâh / mattithyâhû. It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian Theology and is the author of Matthew’s Gospel.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

(MAHTHILDIS) (Matthaîos)

How to Pronounce Madison

Madison is pronounced /ˈmædɪsən/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Mad-is-on
  2. Say it like: "MADEEHSOOHN"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Madison enjoys international appeal, used in 8 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, norwegian, irish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

englishnorwegianirishswedishdanishfinnishscottishwelsh
Name Relationships

Madison is an affectionate diminutive of Maud, Matilda, commonly used in english speaking regions. This shortened form maintains the original meaning while offering a more intimate, familiar tone. Madison is a variant form of Matthew, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Madison
What does the name Madison mean?
Madison means "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son. Madison is a popular female given name in the United States. From a practically non-existent girl’s name before 1985, Madison rose to be the second most popular name given to female babies in 2001. Originally Madison was only used as a surname, a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew, although occasionally standing for Maddy’s son, where Maddy is a pet form of “Maud” linked to the Germanic root: “mahthildis.” 1) “maud,” mighty in battle, strong in combat. The name derives from the Old High German name “Mahthilt,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*mahti-” (might, power, ability) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). 2) “Matthew” gift of the Lord, the gift of Yahweh, the gift of Jehovah. It is a given name that ultimately comes from the Hebrew name mattithyâh / mattithyâhû. It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian Theology and is the author of Matthew’s Gospel.". The name comes from (MAHTHILDIS) (Matthaîos). In its original form, the name derives from Mattithyâh (מַתִּתְיָה) Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Madison for children of any gender often connect with the name's meaning of "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son. Madison is a popular female given name in the United States. From a practically non-existent girl’s name before 1985, Madison rose to be the second most popular name given to female babies in 2001. Originally Madison was only used as a surname, a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew, although occasionally standing for Maddy’s son, where Maddy is a pet form of “Maud” linked to the Germanic root: “mahthildis.” 1) “maud,” mighty in battle, strong in combat. The name derives from the Old High German name “Mahthilt,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*mahti-” (might, power, ability) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). 2) “Matthew” gift of the Lord, the gift of Yahweh, the gift of Jehovah. It is a given name that ultimately comes from the Hebrew name mattithyâh / mattithyâhû. It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian Theology and is the author of Matthew’s Gospel." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Madison's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Madison?
Madison has hebrew and germanic origins. The name traces back to (MAHTHILDIS) (Matthaîos). The original form Mattithyâh (מַתִּתְיָה) Matthaîos (Ματθαῖος) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Madison spread to become common in english, norwegian, irish, swedish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son. Madison is a popular female given name in the United States. From a practically non-existent girl’s name before 1985, Madison rose to be the second most popular name given to female babies in 2001. Originally Madison was only used as a surname, a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew, although occasionally standing for Maddy’s son, where Maddy is a pet form of “Maud” linked to the Germanic root: “mahthildis.” 1) “maud,” mighty in battle, strong in combat. The name derives from the Old High German name “Mahthilt,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*mahti-” (might, power, ability) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). 2) “Matthew” gift of the Lord, the gift of Yahweh, the gift of Jehovah. It is a given name that ultimately comes from the Hebrew name mattithyâh / mattithyâhû. It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian Theology and is the author of Matthew’s Gospel." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Madison developed as a form of Matthew, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Madison a boy or girl name?
Madison is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls. Unisex names have grown more popular since the 1990s, with parents choosing them for flexibility and modern appeal. Madison works equally well for any child, letting the person's identity shape how the name feels rather than the other way around. In hebrew tradition, Madison has historically been given to children of either gender. The meaning "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son. Madison is a popular female given name in the United States. From a practically non-existent girl’s name before 1985, Madison rose to be the second most popular name given to female babies in 2001. Originally Madison was only used as a surname, a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew, although occasionally standing for Maddy’s son, where Maddy is a pet form of “Maud” linked to the Germanic root: “mahthildis.” 1) “maud,” mighty in battle, strong in combat. The name derives from the Old High German name “Mahthilt,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*mahti-” (might, power, ability) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). 2) “Matthew” gift of the Lord, the gift of Yahweh, the gift of Jehovah. It is a given name that ultimately comes from the Hebrew name mattithyâh / mattithyâhû. It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian Theology and is the author of Matthew’s Gospel." carries well for any child, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Madison?
Madison is pronounced "/ˈmædɪsən/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Madison is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, norwegian, irish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Madison can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (MAHTHILDIS) (Matthaîos) influences how Madison sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Madison?
Madison is commonly used as a nickname for Maud, Matilda. As a diminutive of Maud, Matilda, Madison started as an affectionate short form used by family and close friends. Many people named Maud, Matilda go by Madison throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In hebrew cultures, using Madison as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among people of any gender, though some now use Madison as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Madison on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Madison?
Madison is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Madison offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Madison's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son. Madison is a popular female given name in the United States. From a practically non-existent girl’s name before 1985, Madison rose to be the second most popular name given to female babies in 2001. Originally Madison was only used as a surname, a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew, although occasionally standing for Maddy’s son, where Maddy is a pet form of “Maud” linked to the Germanic root: “mahthildis.” 1) “maud,” mighty in battle, strong in combat. The name derives from the Old High German name “Mahthilt,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*mahti-” (might, power, ability) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). 2) “Matthew” gift of the Lord, the gift of Yahweh, the gift of Jehovah. It is a given name that ultimately comes from the Hebrew name mattithyâh / mattithyâhû. It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian Theology and is the author of Matthew’s Gospel." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among unisex names, Madison holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Madison?
Madison is a form of Matthew. Over time, Matthew developed into several variations, with Madison emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In hebrew tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son. Madison is a popular female given name in the United States. From a practically non-existent girl’s name before 1985, Madison rose to be the second most popular name given to female babies in 2001. Originally Madison was only used as a surname, a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew, although occasionally standing for Maddy’s son, where Maddy is a pet form of “Maud” linked to the Germanic root: “mahthildis.” 1) “maud,” mighty in battle, strong in combat. The name derives from the Old High German name “Mahthilt,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*mahti-” (might, power, ability) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). 2) “Matthew” gift of the Lord, the gift of Yahweh, the gift of Jehovah. It is a given name that ultimately comes from the Hebrew name mattithyâh / mattithyâhû. It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian Theology and is the author of Matthew’s Gospel.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Madison might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In english and norwegian, Madison may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Madison commonly used?
Madison spans multiple cultures, including english, norwegian, irish, and 5 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Madison found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Madison, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name means Son of Maud, Matthew’s son. Madison is a popular female given name in the United States. From a practically non-existent girl’s name before 1985, Madison rose to be the second most popular name given to female babies in 2001. Originally Madison was only used as a surname, a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew, although occasionally standing for Maddy’s son, where Maddy is a pet form of “Maud” linked to the Germanic root: “mahthildis.” 1) “maud,” mighty in battle, strong in combat. The name derives from the Old High German name “Mahthilt,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*mahti-” (might, power, ability) plus “*hildiz” (battle, fight). 2) “Matthew” gift of the Lord, the gift of Yahweh, the gift of Jehovah. It is a given name that ultimately comes from the Hebrew name mattithyâh / mattithyâhû. It was first named to Saint Matthew, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in Christian Theology and is the author of Matthew’s Gospel." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Madison into their naming traditions. A child named Madison will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Madison is given to children of any gender, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

Similar Names

Explore More Names