The Madison Family History

What Does the Madison Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Madison is of English origin, signifying son of Matthew. Variations of the name include Maddison and Maddeson. The earliest instances of the Madison family can be traced back to the northern region of England, particularly in Durham. Over time, these families migrated to the counties of Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Shropshire. In the United States, the Madison surname is prevalent throughout the eastern half of the nation, with significant concentrations in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. Notable individuals bearing the Madison surname include James Madison, the fourth President of the United States; Guy Madison, an actor known for his work in film and television; James Jonas Madison, a recipient of the Medal of Honor during World War I; Holly Madison, a model; Martha Madison, an actress; Lucy F. Madison, a novelist; and Sam Madison, a professional football player.