A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Madonna since 1897
Babies named Madonna per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1954, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Madonna's real moment was 1933.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 95 |
| 1910s | 539 |
| 1920s | 1,120 |
| 1930s | 1,329 |
| 1940s | 1,572 |
| 1950s | 1,867 |
| 1960s | 1,483 |
| 1970s | 622 |
| 1980s | 542 |
| 1990s | 148 |
| 2000s | 122 |
| 2010s | 82 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Madonna entered U.S. records in 1897 and peaked in popularity during the 1930s, reaching its highest rank of 13208 in 1933. After decades of decline, the name has seen a revival since 2021, returning to a rank of 13208 by 2025. Its long history reflects strong Italian Catholic roots, and its revival may be linked to renewed interest in vintage names and the enduring cultural legacy of the singer Madonna. While the name remains rare, its trajectory shows a growing reappreciation. Despite no top states in the data, the name's traditional use in Italian-American communities has kept it in steady if sparse use.
Madonna derives from the Italian phrase 'ma donna,' meaning 'my lady.' It originated as a respectful form of address, later adopted as a title for the Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic tradition. As a given name, it has been used primarily in Italy and among Italian-speaking communities since the late 19th century, though its adoption in English-speaking countries is heavily associated with the American singer Madonna (born 1958).
Where Madonna is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maddy, Donna, Maddie
Variants: Madona, Maddona
Sibling names for Madonna
Names that share Madonna's style, for a brother or sister.
