Rising since 2013, #3,848 for boys today.
Popularity of Mads since 2011
Babies named Mads per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 91 |
| 2020s | 163 |
Meaning & origin
Mads entered U.S. records in 2011 and has been rising steadily since 2013, reflecting wider interest in Scandinavian names. The name reached its peak rank of 3,848 in 2021 with an estimated 1 in 61,003 boys receiving the name that year. Although its trajectory shows consistent growth, it remains rare, with no associated top states indicating a concentrated regional preference. The name's appeal lies in its concise, strong sound and its connection to the widespread European tradition of Mathias-derived names.
Mads is a Danish and Norwegian short form of Mathias, itself derived from the Greek Matthaios, meaning 'gift of God.' It originated as a medieval Scandinavian diminutive and has become a standalone given name in its own right, particularly common in Denmark. The name has seen increased international use in the 21st century, partly due to the actor Mads Mikkelsen.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Madz
Sibling names for Mads
Names that share Mads's style, for a brother or sister.
