What is the origin of the last name Madden?
Countries of origin for the last name Madden
The last name Madden has its origins in Ireland, specifically in the province of Connacht. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Madáin, which means “descendant of Madán.” The name Madán is derived from the word “mad,” which means “dog” in Gaelic. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have had a connection to dogs, either as breeders or hunters.
The surname Madden is fairly common in Ireland, particularly in County Galway, where the Madden clan was prominent. The first recorded spelling of the surname dates back to the 12th century, with variations such as O’Madden and Madyn. Over time, the name evolved to its current form, Madden.
Migration played a significant role in spreading the Madden name beyond Ireland. Like many Irish surnames, it had a strong presence among Irish immigrants who settled in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. As a result, Madden became a relatively common surname in America, particularly in states with large Irish populations, such as New York and Massachusetts.
There are several notable individuals with the last name Madden. One of them is John Madden, a Hall of Fame American football coach and sports commentator. His surname has become synonymous with the video game franchise Madden NFL, which is named after him. Another prominent figure is Richard Madden, a Scottish actor known for his role as Robb Stark in the popular television series Game of Thrones.
While the meaning of the name Madden is well-established, there is always the potential for additional research and discoveries that could shed further light on its origins. Genealogy and historical research continue to uncover new information about surnames, and the Madden name is no exception. By delving deeper into the past, we may uncover fascinating stories and connections that add even greater depth to the understanding of names and their significance.
Interesting facts about the last name Madden
- The surname Madden is of Irish origin.
- It is derived from the Irish name “Ó Madáin,” which means “descendant of Madán.”
- The name Madán is believed to have originated from the Irish word “madadh,” meaning “dog.”
- The Madden surname is most commonly found in the counties of Galway, Mayo, and Tipperary in Ireland.
- One famous individual with the surname Madden is John Madden, a popular American football coach and sports commentator.
- Another notable figure with the Madden surname is Steve Madden, an American fashion designer and businessman.
- Madden is a fairly common surname in the United States, ranking as the 1,092nd most common surname according to the 2000 U.S. Census.
- Notable variations of the surname Madden include Madin, Maden, Madigan, and Maddy.
- The clan associated with the Madden surname is part of the larger Uí Maine tribal grouping in Ireland.
- The Madden name has been recorded in Irish annals and historical documents dating back to the 11th century.