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Last Name Madsen

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What is the origin of the last name Madsen?

The surname Madsen is a patronymic, derived from the given name Mads, a Scandinavian variant of Matthew. It originated in Denmark and is common among Danish people due to its historical usage as a nickname for individuals named Matthias or Mattias. The suffix "-sen" is a common Danish patronymic ending, denoting "son of".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Madsen

The meaning and origin of the last name Madsen

The surname Madsen is of Danish origin, derived from the personal name Mads, a Scandinavian variant of Matthew. It was originally a given name, and like many other Scandinavian names, it was used as a surname after the introduction of hereditary last names in Denmark during the Middle Ages. The name Madsen, meaning "son of Mads," indicates that an individual's father bore the name Mads. This surname can be found predominantly among Danish and Norwegian populations, reflecting its Scandinavian roots. Over time, many individuals with the surname Madsen have migrated to other parts of the world, particularly North America, spreading the name globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Madsen

The Madsen surname has a significant presence across various regions globally, with Denmark being its origin and historical stronghold. It is one of the most common names in Denmark, particularly in the Jutland region, due to its Viking origins. Outside Denmark, it is also commonly found among Danish immigrants, notably in North America, such as the United States and Canada. In the US, the highest concentration of Madsens resides in states with a strong Scandinavian heritage like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Utah. Additionally, the surname has been spread globally through immigration waves, including to countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Furthermore, the name is not exclusive to Denmark; it is also found in other European countries, albeit less frequently, due to various historical factors, such as Scandinavian conquests or naming conventions that predate national borders.

Variants and spellings of the last name Madsen

The surname Madsen has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and family traditions over time. Some common spelling variants include Madson, Maddison, Madyson, Madsen-Møller, Madssen, and Madisson. These variations may arise from slight phonetic changes or different interpretations of the original name's meaning, which is derived from the Scandinavian given name "Madse," a diminutive form of Matthew. Additionally, anglicized versions like Matzen or Mattson are also found among Madsen descendants, particularly those who emigrated to English-speaking countries from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, or other Scandinavian regions.

Famous people with the last name Madsen

Notable individuals with the surname Madsen include:

1. Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971), a Danish architect and designer known for his contributions to modern furniture design, such as the Ant chair and Swan chair.

2. Buster Madson (born 1958), an American author, screenwriter, and actor who co-wrote the scripts for films like "Thelma & Louise" and "Twister."

3. Carl Madsen (1847-1927), a Danish politician and Prime Minister of Denmark from 1910 to 1913.

4. Claus von Bulow (born 1926 as Claus Friedrich Peter von Bülow-Bessenbacher), a Danish-American socialite who was convicted of attempting to murder his wife, Sunny Von Bulow, in 1985.

5. Jan Madsen (born 1947), a retired Danish cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1970 and wore the yellow jersey for 34 stages during his career.

6. Val Kilmer (born 1959, birth name: Val Edward Kilmer Jr.), an American actor known for roles in films like "Top Gun," "Batman Forever," and "The Doors." His mother was born as Gladys Effelmadsen.

Genealogical research on the last name Madsen

The Madsen surname originates from Denmark and Norway, where it is a patronymic derived from the given name Mads, meaning "servant of God." In Denmark, the name was most common in the Jutland region, particularly in the county of Viborg. In Norway, it is most prevalent in the counties of Ostfold, Viken, and Hordaland. The Madsen family has a long history, with some records tracing back to the 1500s in Denmark. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Danish composer Carl Nielsen, Norwegian author Knut Hamsun, and American actor Richard Madsen. The migration of Madsen descendants to other countries began in earnest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many settling in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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