Last Name Madison

Learn more about the origin of the last name Madison

The meaning and origin of the last name Madison

The surname Madison is of English origin, deriving from the medieval given name "Matthias." The name "Matthias" itself originates from the Hebrew name "Mattityahu," meaning "gift of Yahweh." Over time, the name evolved into various forms, including Mathy, Mathias, and eventually Madison. The surname Madison can also be associated with the Old English personal name "Maegthegn," meaning "maiden" or "servant." Another theory suggests that Madison could possibly derive from the Old English words "madian" or "maed," meaning "meeting" or "assembly." As a surname, Madison is not particularly common, but it has gained recognition due to its association with Madison Avenue in New York City and the name of the fourth American president, James Madison. Today, the surname Madison is seen across the English-speaking world, representing a rich heritage and diverse ancestral lineages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Madison

The last name Madison is primarily found in the United States, with a significant concentration in the state of Virginia. This surname originates from the English language and is derived from the medieval given name "Matthias," which in turn is derived from the Hebrew name "Mattathiah," meaning "gift of God." As the name gained popularity through the generations, it spread throughout the country. Today, many individuals with the last name Madison can be found in other parts of the United States, such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The name is also present in Canada, particularly in the province of Ontario. Additionally, due to migration and globalization, there may be individuals with the surname Madison residing in other parts of the world, albeit in smaller numbers. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Madison reflects its historical roots and subsequent dispersion among English-speaking regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Madison

The last name Madison, derived from the medieval given name Matthew, has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include Madyson, Madisyn, Matheson, MacMadison, and Matison. These variations may have originated from different regions or been influenced by phonetic changes over time. The spelling Madyson often reflects a more modern take on the name, while Madisyn represents the influence of "y" in contemporary American naming conventions. Matheson, on the other hand, may be tied to Scottish or Irish ancestry, as "son" indicates "son of Mathew." MacMadison suggests a Scottish or Irish origin as well. Matison may be a less common variation that has evolved from the original Madison, with the dropping of the "D." Regardless of the spelling or variation, the name Madison has become increasingly popular as a surname and a given name in recent years.

Famous people with the last name Madison

One famous individual with the last name Madison is James Madison (1751-1836), the fourth President of the United States (1809-1817) and often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution." As one of the Founding Fathers, Madison played a crucial role in drafting and promoting the United States Constitution, including the pivotal Bill of Rights. His contributions to the formation of the American government and his leadership during the War of 1812 greatly influenced the nation's early development. Another notable figure with the surname Madison is Dolly Madison (1768-1849), the wife of James Madison. Dolly Madison became an influential First Lady, renowned for her wit, charm, and political astuteness. She is often credited with establishing the role and visibility of the First Lady within the American government.

Genealogical research on the last name Madison

The surname Madison is of English origin and has an interesting genealogical history. It is derived from the medieval given name "Mathew" or "Matilda," which itself has Hebrew origins. The name Madison can trace its roots back to the early 13th century in England, when it was commonly used as a personal name. Over time, it gradually transformed into a hereditary surname as families began to adopt surnames for identification purposes. The Madison surname spread throughout England and eventually reached the American colonies during the migration period. One notable individual with the surname Madison is James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, who played a crucial role in the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The Madison family has numerous branches and branches offshoots, leading to various individuals who have contributed to various fields, including politics, academia, and the arts. Today, the surname Madison continues to be prevalent in the United States and can be found in various communities across the country.