Surname Madog - Meaning and Origin
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Madog: What does the surname Madog mean?
The surname Madog is of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh personal name "Madoc". The meaning of the name Madog is generally understood to be "fortunate" or "beneficent", conveying a sense of luck or good fortune. This name is often found in Welsh history and folklore, with one of the most famous historical figures bearing this name being Prince Madog ap Owain Gwynedd. According to a medieval legend, this Welsh prince supposedly discovered America in the 12th century, three hundred years before Christopher Columbus. The surname Madog appears in many parts of Wales and within varying social strata, testifying to its antiquity and common usage. Variations of the surname include Maddox and Maddocks.
Order DNA origin analysisMadog: Where does the name Madog come from?
The surname Madog has a Celtic origin and it is primarily derived from the Welsh personal name Madog. Traditionally, this name was given to a fortunate or lucky son, as it means "fortunate" or "good fortune" in Welsh. This name is most commonly associated with Madoc ap Gruffydd Maelor, a Prince of Powys in the 12th century, and Prince Madoc, a legendary seafarer who is said to have discovered America in the 12th century before Christopher Columbus.
Today, the surname Madog is quite rare. It is most common in Wales, where it originated, but even there it is not widespread. Unlike many surnames, it has not spread widely to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia, or Canada. This is partly because many Welsh people anglicized their surnames during the 19th and 20th centuries, changing Madog to forms like Maddox or Maddock. Additionally, the lack of emigration from Wales compared to other parts of the UK, such as Ireland and Scotland, has contributed to the name's rarity outside of Wales.
Variations of the surname Madog
The surname Madog has Welsh origins and various spellings and variants. It originates from personal name of Madoc, which itself rooted in the Welsh word “mad”, meaning fortunate or good. The name is also associated with the legendary Welsh prince, Madoc ap Owain Gwynedd, who was reputed to have discovered America.
Variants and spellings of the surname Madog include Maddox and Maddock, which are the Anglicized forms. Some more variants are Maddocks, Maddick, and Maddix. Surnames that could potentially be related via a common origin could include names derived from other forms of Madoc, such as Maddison or Madison. In terms of Welsh derivatives, you might also see Madoc, Madawc, Medoc, or Medawg.
It's important to note, however, that surname variants can often come about due to different factors including geographic location, literacy levels (leading to phonetic spellings), and personal preference. Hence, some of these variants may not guarantee a direct link or common origin to the surname Madog.
Famous people with the name Madog
- Lengwray Madog: Welsh poet prominent in the 12th century
- Rhodri Madog: Prince of the Welsh kingdom of Powys
- Ellen Madog: American suffragette and civil rights activist
- Robert Lloyd Madog: Welsh composer of hymns and folksongs
- David Madog: Welsh politician and barrister
- Dr. Ioan Madog: Welsh scientist and geographer
- Blodwen Madog: British playwright
- Thomas Madog: Welsh Roman Catholic bishop
- John Madog: British lawyer and politician
- Sioned Madog: Welsh chief of the Harlech family