Origin & Meaning of the Madsen Surname
What does the last name Madsen mean?
The surname Madsen carries the meaning "Son of Mad." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 17,364 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Madsen ranks as the #2,083 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Madsen come from?
The Madsen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Madsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Madsen trace back to Old Norse. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Madsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mad |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,083 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,364 |
| Per 100K People | 5.89 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Madsen
According to the US Census, the Madsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,364 Americans with the Madsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.78% |
| Black | 0.44% |
| Hispanic | 2.11% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.73% |
| Native American | 0.44% |
| Two or More Races | 1.5% |
Popularity of Madsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Madsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Madsen surname increased by 939 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Madsen
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Other Scandinavian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madsen
Top Surnames Starting with M
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