Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Madden
BoyIrish· “from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- from an Irish surname
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- MA-duhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #676
- US babies 2025
- 402
- Best rank
- #544 (2011)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Madden
Madden is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “from an Irish surname”.
Madden is an Irish surname, an anglicized form of Ó Madáin, "descendant of Madán." The personal name Madán is often linked to madra, "dog," so the name may mean something like "little dog," though that is not certain. The Maddens were a well-known family in County Galway. In the United States the name is strongly associated with the football coach and broadcaster John Madden and the video game series named after him. As a first name, Madden sounds sporty and energetic, and Mad or Mads are casual nicknames.
Popularity over time
Madden first appears in US Social Security records in 1997. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 19 different years, starting in 2007. Its best national rank was #544 in 2011, and the most babies received it in 2012, when 471 were named Madden. In 2025, 402 babies were named Madden, and it ranked #676 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #5,777 in 2000, #604 in 2010, and #676 in 2025. Of the 7,682 US boys named Madden since records began, 51% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,218 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jagger, Xzavier, Arian, Bentlee, and Bently.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Madden ranked highest in South Dakota, Utah, and Iowa.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #247 | 6 |
| Utah | #281 | 18 |
| Iowa | #322 | 12 |
| Louisiana | #365 | 14 |
| Nebraska | #366 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 84% of US babies named Madden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Madden is usually pronounced MA-duhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Madden
A few middle names that flow with Madden: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Madden
Similar names
Brayden Boy
BRAY-duhn
“modern form of Braden; salmon” · Irish
#229
Ayden Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · American (modern coinage)
#257
Kayden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern coinage related to Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#135
Caden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
#201
Kaden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
#328
Kaiden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#237
Cayden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#414
Rowen Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; also rowan tree” · Irish
#488
Callen Boy
KA-luhn
“uncertain; from a surname” · Irish
#516
Aiden Boy
AY-duhn
“little fire” · Irish
#62
Braden Boy
BRAY-den
“descendant of Bradán; salmon” · Irish
#1,152
Aden Boy
AY-duhn
“little fire” · Irish
#1,008
Lists that include Madden
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Madden mean?
Madden is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “from an Irish surname”.
What is the origin of the name Madden?
Madden has Irish roots. Madden is an Irish surname, an anglicized form of Ó Madáin, "descendant of Madán." The personal name Madán is often linked to madra, "dog," so the name may mean something like "little dog," though that is not certain.
Is Madden a popular name?
Yes. Madden ranked #676 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Madden a boy or girl name?
Madden is mainly a boy's name. About 84% of US babies named Madden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Madden?
Madden is usually pronounced MA-duhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings