Last Name Madron

The surname Madron is believed to be of occupational origin, derived from the Old French word "madrier" or "madrieres," meaning a maker of mats or baskets. In Middle English, the term evolved into "madrer" or "madren," and eventually, it became "Madderne" or "Madron." The name was originally given to someone who worked in the mat-making trade. It was also used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where mats were made. Over time, the spelling has varied due to regional dialects and scribal errors, leading to different forms such as Maddern, Madrona, Mattern, etc. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on specific family histories and regional influences. Genealogical research may provide more detailed information about your personal lineage if you are a Madron descendant.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Madron

The meaning and origin of the last name Madron

The surname Madron is of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh word "madrun" or "mab-madrun," which translates to "son of Madrun." Madrun was a mythical giant in Welsh folklore and the son of Bran the Blessed, according to the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh legends. The surname Madron emerged as an occupational name for someone who worked with madder (Rubia tinctorum), a plant used for dyeing fabric in various shades of red and purple. Over time, the surname has spread beyond Wales due to migration and assimilation. Notable individuals with the surname Madron include John Madron, an English lawyer who was a key figure in the impeachment trial of Charles I in 1649, and David Madron, a British Conservative politician who served as Member of Parliament for Torquay from 2015 to 2017.

Geographical distribution of the last name Madron

The last name Madron, of potential Breton origin meaning "maytree," has a notable presence in various regions, particularly within the British Isles. In Wales and England, it is relatively common, with concentrations in areas such as Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, Cardiganshire, Glamorgan, Monmouthshire, and Westmorland. In Scotland, Madron can be found in Ross-shire, Sutherland, Caithness, and Orkney Islands. Beyond the British Isles, Madrons are also traced in France, specifically Brittany, due to the historical migration from Wales during medieval times. The name has also appeared in Canada, particularly in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, as well as in the United States, particularly in Maine and Massachusetts, reflecting colonial migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Madron

The surname Madron has several variations and spellings, originating from the Celtic word "madrun" meaning hazel grove. Some common variations of this surname include: Madran, Madrone, Madra, Madorne, Madoran, Maddern, Maddren, and Madrazo. In Welsh, it is sometimes spelled Maderon or Madryn. The name may also be found as Mac an tSáoir in Irish, which translates to son of the carpenter. It's important to note that surnames can change due to transcription errors, regional dialects, and migration over time.

Famous people with the last name Madron

The Madron family is known for its notable members in various fields. One of the most recognized is Thomas Madron-Dawson (1924-2008), an English actor, best remembered for his roles in films like "The Lavender Hill Mob" and "Carry On Jack." In music, there is the American singer-songwriter, Jim Madronich, who rose to fame with the hit single "Miserere" under the stage name ABC. Notably, John Madron (1756-1834), a U.S. Navy officer, was one of the first American explorers to chart the coastline of Oregon and gave his name to Madrona Point in Seattle. Lastly, Madalyn Madron (born 1990) is a professional volleyball player from the United States, who played college volleyball at Purdue University and currently competes for the Italian club Bergamo 1991.

Genealogical research on the last name Madron

The surname Madron originates from Wales and is believed to have derived from a variety of sources, including a topographic name for someone who lived by a madr or madwr tree, or a locative name for someone from Madoc in Merionethshire, or a habitational name from Maerdy in Denbighshire. The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Maderu and Madere. Throughout history, notable individuals with the surname Madron include William Madron (died 1327), who was a Member of Parliament for Cornwall in England during the early 14th century, and Sir John Maddew Madron (1789-1855), a British naval officer who participated in the Opium War against China. The Madron family also has significant connections to the United States, with many descendants emigrating from Wales to Pennsylvania during the 18th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Madron"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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