Origin
Origin & Etymology - The name Madison originates from an Old English surname meaning 'son of Maud'. It was originally a surname in England, derived from the medieval given name Maud, itself a diminutive of Matilda. The name entered popular use as a given name in the United States in the 20th century, especially after the character Madison in the film 'Splash' (1984). It has no specific Aboriginal or Māori roots, and thus is considered a Western name rather than an indigenous name.
Meaning
Meaning - Literal translation is 'son of Maud', but in the Australian context, it is often appreciated for its modern, energetic sound, and associations with youthful fashion and pop culture. The name is typically viewed as conveying a lively and contemporary personality.
Pronunciation
/ˈmædɪsən/ - MAD-ih-sun, with the stress on the first syllable in Australian English, pronounced quickly and clearly, akin to American pronunciation but with Australian vowel nuances.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Madisyn
- Madisson
- Maddison
- Mathison (rare)
Nicknames
- Maddy
- Madie
- Sonny
Name Days
- 20 July (United States birthday celebration)
- None widely observed in Australian regular calendar, but some Christian calendars may celebrate saints named Madison or similar if applicable.
- Australian-specific celebrations are not commonly associated with this name.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with madison:
- Charlotte and Madison
- Mia and Madison
- Ella and Madison
Fun Facts
- Madison became extremely popular in Australia during the early 2000s, paralleling trends in the US and UK.
- The name is associated with a famous American shopping mall (Madison Square Garden's vicinity).
- In Australia, the name gained popularity partly due to its usage in popular media and celebrity culture.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name madison:
- Energetic
- Friendly
- Modern
- Sociable
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a clean, contemporary aesthetic suited to modern typographic design, often used in graphic logos, fashion branding, and media representations.
Geographical Distribution
Mostly popular in urban regions such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting trends influenced by media and multicultural communities in Australia's major cities.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8 in numerology, symbolising power, material success, and honour, often associated with leadership qualities in Australian cultural contexts.
Astrological Connections
The name does not have specific astrological associations, but individuals named Madison born under fire signs like Aries or Leo may be stereotypically viewed as energetic and charismatic.
Historical Context
While primarily a modern name, Madison saw fame through American pop culture and has been borne by several Australian celebrities' children, reinforcing its contemporary and fashionable image.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well into other Latin-based languages with similar spelling, such as Madisona in some stylised or creative contexts, but remains largely unchanged globally.
Famous People Named madison
- Madison Beer (singer)
- Madison Anderson (Miss Universe contestant)
- Madison de la Garza (actress)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 15 |
2021 | 20 |
2020 | 21 |
2019 | 86 |
2018 | 175 |