National Madison Day - On National Madison Day, we explain why the name Madison was so popular at one time and then later declined in popularity.

National Madison Day 2024 – November 28, 2024

National Madison Day is celebrated on November 28. The day is about celebrating all people named Madison and learning the origin of the name, its meaning, short forms, and uniqueness. Madison is an English name derived from a nonstandard spelling of Mathieson, which means ‘son of Mathew.’ It was originally a masculine name but later became a popular first name for girls. Today, Madison is adopted as a unisex name, free from sex determination. However, its use as a girl’s name outshines its use as a boy’s. As a masculine name, Madison had negligible recognition compared to when it became a feminine name.

History of National Madison Day

National Madison Day is an international event that honors all the Madisons across the globe. Madison is of English origin meaning ‘son of Maud.’ It is also regarded as a nonstandard spelling of Mathieson, which unequivocally means ‘son of Mathew.’ It was initially used as a masculine name but lacked popularity then. In 1903, it was ranked 514th in the list of boys’ names, and from 1953 to 1986, it dropped to the 1,000th most popular boy’s name in America.The 1984 movie “Splash” gave it a magical rise. The main character, a mermaid, adopted the name Madison as her name after seeing a street signpost named Madison Avenue in New York City. The idea of a woman bearing Madison first appeared as a joke to many. However, events that unfolded afterward showed the joke was rather taken seriously and even mimicked. From not being recognized as a female name before 1985, Madison leaped to being the second most popular girl’s name in America in 2001 and maintained a solid ranking through the years. It continues to maintain its position in the Top Ten for more than a decade but is now ranked 23 in the latest ranking.A famous bearer of the name is James Madison Jr. — an American diplomat and Founding Father, who served as the fourth President of America from 1809 to 1817. Another bearer is Madison Cawthorn, an American politician born in 1995 and who is serving as the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 11th congressional district. Madison Grant — American lawyer and anthropologist, born November 19, 1865, whose 1918 work “The Passing of the Great Race” played a major role in crafting immigration policies and anti-miscegenation laws in the United States is another notable bearer of the name. Madison Keys, born in the 1990s, is an American professional tennis player. She was ranked seventh in the Women’s Tennis Association in 2016.

National Madison Day timeline

1809
Fourth President of America

James Madison becomes the fourth President of the United States of America.

1865
Birth of Grant

Grant, the famous anthropologist, zoologist, lawyer, and writer, is born.

1984
Use of Madison as a Female Name

Madison begins to be used as a girl's name inspired by the movie "Splash.

2016
Gaining International Recognition

The tennis player, Keys, is ranked seventh in the Women's Tennis Association.

National Madison Day FAQs

Is the name Madison biblical?

Madison is a name that can be given to both boys and girls and is mostly found among Christians but does not have any biblical affiliation.

How do you spell Madison phonetically?

Madison is spelled phonetically as a trisyllabic word — Mad-i-son.

Is Madison an Irish name?

Some of its variants are Irish and include Madsen.

National Madison Day Activities

  1. Toast to the name

    Go to the bar or arrange a special dinner or lunch for your Madison friends and toast them. This will make them feel appreciated.

  2. Connect with Madisons

    Show some love and care to the Madisons within your reach. Send out lovely greeting cards or texts to them.

  3. Read about Madisons

    It could be tiresome but spare some moments to read about the name, famous people with the name and their achievements, and what makes the name unique. This would probably gain your knowledge about them and might inspire you to be successful like them.

5 Facts About Madison And Its Bearers That May Interest You

  1. People's perception

    People perceive Madison to be a common, simple, unintellectual, and urban name.

  2. Father of the Constitution

    James Madison is praised as the Father of the Constitution for his role in drafting the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.

  3. Youngest Congressman in North Carolina

    James Madison is the first member of Congress born in the 1990s.

  4. Famous Madison in the movie industry

    Madison Wolfe is regarded as the most famous Madison in the movie industry.

  5. Daryl Hannah does not identify as Madison

    Daryl Hannah is the name of the mermaid in "Splash" and does not identify with the name she unconsciously popularized.

Why We Love National Madison Day

  1. It is fun

    Every hour of the event is playful and enjoyable, all thanks to the numerous people that bear the name. It gives a sense of oneness among all the Madisons out there.

  2. It gives a sense of belonging

    The event demonstrates to people how they are being loved and cherished, regardless of who or where they are. It cherishes diversity at its best.

  3. It is cultural

    Almost every culture celebrates the naming day which is more important than a birthday to some, even though birthdays may receive more attention. Watching people celebrate this day makes us a part of this culture of unity.

National Madison Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 November 28 Monday
2023 November 28 Tuesday
2024 November 28 Thursday
2025 November 28 Friday
2026 November 28 Saturday