Declining since 2002.
Popularity of Madigan since 1992
Babies named Madigan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 91 |
| 2000s | 540 |
| 2010s | 254 |
| 2020s | 79 |
Meaning & origin
Madigan is a modern Irish-inspired name that entered U.S. baby name records in 1992, reflecting the late-20th-century trend of using surnames as first names. It reached its peak popularity in 2002, but has since seen a steady decline in use through the most recent data in 2025. While it has never cracked the top 1000 names nationwide, its uncommon status appeals to parents seeking a distinctive option with Irish roots. The name's exact meaning remains uncertain, though it is often linked to the Irish surname Ó Madagáin, possibly meaning 'little dog.' Its rarity and soft sound give it a fresh feel, and it pairs well with other Irish surname-names like Finnegan and Callahan for siblings.
Madigan first appeared as a given name in the 1990s, likely adapted from the Irish surname Ó Madagáin, meaning 'descendant of Madagán.' The root Madagán is a personal name possibly derived from madadh, Gaelic for 'dog,' but this etymology is uncertain. The name gained modest use in the United States as a modern feminine name.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maddy, Maddie, Mad
Variants: Madigan
Sibling names for Madigan
Names that share Madigan's style, for a brother or sister.
