Madoc first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Madoc has been for the last 20 years (from 2003 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Madoc

A Welsh masculine name derived from the root "mad" meaning "fortunate, wealthy".

Popularity of Madoc by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Madoc is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 12 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Madoc.

Year Male Count Female Count
2022 12 0
2021 9 0
2020 9 0
2019 12 0
2018 17 0
2017 13 0
2016 23 0
2015 11 0
2014 11 0
2013 14 0
2012 9 0
2011 12 0
2010 7 0
2009 10 0
2007 16 0
2006 5 0
2005 9 0
2004 6 0
2003 5 0

The history of the first name Madoc

The name Madoc has its origins in the Welsh language and culture, tracing back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Welsh word "madog," which means "fortunate" or "having good fortune." This name was particularly prevalent in Wales during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Madoc comes from the legendary figure of Madoc, a Welsh prince who is said to have discovered America centuries before Christopher Columbus. According to the legend, Madoc sailed west from Wales in the late 12th century and landed on the shores of what is now the United States. While the veracity of this story is debated among historians, it has become an integral part of Welsh folklore and has contributed to the enduring popularity of the name.

In the 13th century, Madoc ap Gruffydd Maelor was a prominent Welsh prince who ruled over the kingdom of Powys Fadog. He was known for his involvement in the conflicts between the Welsh princes and the English Crown during the reign of King Edward I. Another notable figure with this name was Madoc ap Llywelyn, a 14th-century Welsh nobleman and military commander who fought alongside Owain Glyndŵr during the Welsh Revolt against the English.

In literature, the name Madoc appears in the epic poem "Madoc" by Robert Southey, published in 1805. The poem tells the story of the legendary Welsh prince's voyage to the Americas and his encounters with Native American tribes.

Some other notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Madoc include:

  1. Madoc ap Maredudd (c. 1170 – c. 1235), a Welsh prince and military leader.
  2. Madoc ap Gruffydd (c. 1238 – c. 1315), a Welsh nobleman and landowner.
  3. Madoc ap Idnerth (fl. 1300), a Welsh poet and bard.
  4. Madoc Dafydd (c. 1550 – c. 1610), a Welsh clergyman and translator.
  5. Madoc Pugh (c. 1570 – c. 1645), a Welsh mathematician and astronomer.

While the name Madoc has its roots in Welsh culture and history, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in regions with Welsh settlements or influences. The enduring legacy of this name serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Wales and its contribution to the tapestry of global naming traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Madoc was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Madoc, please contact us.

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"Madoc first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on April 25, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/madoc-meaning-and-history/.

"Madoc first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/madoc-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 25 April, 2025

Madoc first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/madoc-meaning-and-history/.

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