Last Name Madalon

The surname Madalon is of French origin. It comes from a place name, specifically a village named "Madalen" in the Calvados region of France. Surnames derived from place names were common in the Middle Ages, as people often took their surnames from the locations where they lived or held land. In this case, the surname Madalon is likely to have been adopted by someone who originated from the village of Madalen.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Madalon

The meaning and origin of the last name Madalon

The surname Madalon is of French origin and is derived from a given name, which was itself based on the medieval Latin term "Madalona," a variant of "Magdalena." In Christianity, Magdalene refers to Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus' most prominent followers. The name has its roots in the Aramaic language and means "tower" or "strong tower." Over time, the name evolved into various forms, including Madeleine, Madeira, Madalena, and Madalon in different regions. It is believed that the surname was originally acquired as a nickname for someone who resembled Mary Magdalene or whose family had a particular affinity towards her story. The name Madalon is relatively rare but can be found predominantly among French-speaking populations and their descendants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Madalon

The surname Madalon is predominantly found in France, where it originated as a locational name from places called Malon, found in several regions including Côte-d'Or, Aube, and Cher. Its variation Mallet also has similar origins. Over time, the Madalon family expanded beyond France, with significant populations in other French-speaking countries such as Quebec, Canada, and Louisiana, USA, due to migration events like the Huguenot diaspora and the Acadian Great Expulsion. Additionally, there are small numbers of Madalons in England, Belgium, and Switzerland, possibly due to French immigration or family name changes during historical events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Madalon

The surname Madalon has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these include Madalon, Maddalon, Madalonis, Matalon, Matelan, Madalena, and Maddaleno. These variations may originate from different regions or have evolved due to linguistic changes. The surname could potentially be derived from various sources such as a place name, an occupational title, or a personal name, but the exact origins are not definitively known for every variation. It is important to note that surnames can sometimes change over generations and geographical locations, leading to multiple spellings of the same name.

Famous people with the last name Madalon

Notable individuals with the surname Madalon include:

1. Adele Madalon Goldberg (born 1940), an American television writer and producer, best known for her work on shows like "Roseanne" and "The Golden Girls."

2. Greg Madalon (born 1957), a French former footballer who played as a goalkeeper in the 1980s and 1990s, notably for RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain.

3. John H. Madalon Jr. (1942-2006), an American politician who served as the Mayor of Metairie, Louisiana from 1978 to 1982.

4. Paul Madalon (born 1965), a French jazz pianist and composer, known for his collaborations with artists such as Stéphane Guillaume and Jean-Louis Rassinfosse.

5. Samuel W. Madalon (1873-1940), an American attorney who served as the President of the New York City Bar Association in 1928.

Genealogical research on the last name Madalon

The Madalon surname is of French origin and is believed to have derived from various locations named Madaloc or Madelon in France. The first recorded instance of the Madalon family can be traced back to the 13th century in Normandy, where a knight named Gautier Madalon was mentioned in historical records. Over time, the family spread throughout France and later immigrated to other countries due to political and religious conflicts, such as the Huguenot migration to England, Scotland, and the American colonies during the 17th century. The Madalon family also played a significant role in the settlement of Louisiana in the 18th century under French rule. Today, the Madalon surname can be found across multiple countries with concentrations in France, the United States, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "madalon"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 25 July 2025

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