Madden
Madden is a boy name of Irish origin meaning “Little hound”, pronounced MAD-en. It ranked #676 in the United States in 2025, given to 402 babies, and peaked at #544 in 2011. Common nicknames: Mad, Maddy.
How popular is Madden in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Madden mean, and where does it come from?
Madden anglicises the Irish surname Ó Madaidhín, from madadh, "hound" — the descendants of the little dog, a family from east Galway. In the United States the name arrives attached to two modern things: the football coach and broadcaster John Madden, whose video game has sold tens of millions of copies, and the twin musicians Joel and Benji Madden. The name appears in birth records from 1997 and entered the top thousand in 2007, rising since. It reads as a surname name rather than an Irish one to most American ears.
How is Madden used around the world?
Madden is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Madden?
Famous People Named Madden
- John Madden — American football coach and broadcaster
- Joel Madden — American singer and guitarist of Good Charlotte
- Steve Madden — American footwear designer
Similar Names to Madden
If you like Madden, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Madden
Looking for names that pair well with Madden? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Madden mean?
Madden is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Little hound." Madden anglicises the Irish surname Ó Madaidhín, from madadh, "hound" — the descendants of the little dog, a family from east Galway. In the United States the name arrives attached to two modern things: the football coach and broadcaster John Madden, whose video game has sold tens of millions of copies, and the twin musicians Joel and Benji Madden.
How do you pronounce Madden?
Madden is pronounced MAD-en. Common variations include Maddin, Maddon, Madigan.
Is Madden a boy name?
Yes, Madden is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Mad, Maddy.
