Surname O'Madden - Meaning and Origin
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O'Madden: What does the surname O'Madden mean?
The surname O'Madden is of Irish and Gaelic origin. It is derived from the name Ó Madáin, which can mean "descendant of Madáin" or "son of Madaí". Madaí is a personal name coming from the term "madadh" meaning "hound, wolf" or "nobleman".
The O'Madden family were the chiefs of Clan Ua Madáin in Tuam, County Galway. The family was of a royal lineage and were renowned for being powerful warriors. They were famous for participating in courageous battles throughout Irish history.
In modern times, the O'Madden surname can still be found throughout Ireland and is also used in other countries throughout the world in varying numbers. Variations of the name include Macmadden, Maddan, Madden, and Maddon.
People with the O'Madden surname are known for being strong-minded and determined, and they have a sense of justice and fairness. Many of the characteristics associated with the name today can be linked to the noble origin of the family and their brave deeds.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Madden: Where does the name O'Madden come from?
The last name O'Madden is a surname of Irish origin, which traditionally hails from County Clare. Today, it is still quite common in Ireland, especially in the west and south of the country.
The spread of the O'Madden name has extended beyond the Emerald Isle in recent decades as Irish emigrants have settled around the globe, and it can now be found wherever Irish are settled. This includes North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
In the United States, the O'Madden name is most common in states that have been major destinations for Irish immigrants, such as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, and New Jersey. With over 100 instances of O'Madden appearing in the Social Security Death Index, it's safe to say the name is still quite popular in the US.
In the UK, most O'Maddens are found in London, Birmingham, and other major English cities. Scotland also records a number of O'Maddens today, and with the rise of Scottish nationalism in recent years, more O'Maddens can be found in Scotland.
Overall, the O'Madden name is still quite popular in both Ireland and the countries where Irish immigrants have settled. O'Maddens can now be found in almost every settlement that has an Irish origin, and its popularity is likely to continue in the coming years.
Variations of the surname O'Madden
The surname O'Madden is an anglicized version of the Irish surname Ó Madáin. This surname can be spelled many different ways, but all of these spellings and variants come from the same origin. The most common spellings are O'Madden, Madden, Maden, O'Maden, Madan, Maddon, and MacMadden.
Madden and Maden can also be alternate spellings that are commonly used in the United States. The spelling MacMadden is a specific version of the surname related to Scottish clans. MacMadden was originally an Scottish Clan name for "son of Madain," which is derived from a Gaelic word meaning “small dog” or “little dog”.
Other variant spellings of the surname include Maddin, Maddon, MacMadan, MacMaden, O'Madann, O'Maden, O'Madin, and O'Madon. Some of these spellings are more common in Ireland than others. For example, the O'Madon spelling is usually associated with the Irish Province of Ulster.
The O'Madden surname has also absorbed other similar sounding surnames, such as Madigan, Madon, and Marshall. All of these surnames come from the same origin as O'Madden and are merely variations in spelling or pronunciation.
The O'Madden surname is now commonly found in the United States, Australia, and Canada, as well as Ireland. The prevalence of different spellings of this surname around the world in countries of Irish ancestry is a testament to its long and proud history.
Famous people with the name O'Madden
- Ryan O'Madden: Award-winning actor, best known for his roles in The Hunger Games and It's Complicated.
- Julia O'Madden: Noted television producer, with credits on shows such as The Bachelor and The Voice.
- Paddy O'Madden: Ireland's most celebrated poet, also remembered for his painting and fiction.
- Tom O'Madden: British politician, who served in the House of Commons from 1997-2005.
- Bobby O'Madden: One of the most influential country music singers of all time.
- Alexander O'Madden: American writer, credited with books such as The Many-Worlds Theory and The Phantom Theory.
- Teddy O'Madden: American rock legend who released five albums and toured the US extensively.
- Peter O'Madden: Footballer who currently plays for Premier League side Aston Villa.
- Edward O'Madden: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest newsmen of all time.
- Eileen O'Madden: Olivier Award-winning choreographer, whose productions have been seen around the world.