Maddock is an uncommon given name of English origin that has gained some popularity in recent years. The name Maddock is believed to have derived from the Middle English word "Madoc," which itself is derived from the Old Welsh name "Cadwgon." This Old Welsh name consists of two elements: "cad," meaning "battle," and "gwyn," meaning "white" or "fair."
The name Maddock has an intriguing history, as it was once associated with a legendary figure called Madoc. According to Welsh folklore, Madoc was one of the last princes of Gwynedd who fled Wales around 1170 AD due to political turmoil. Legend has it that he discovered and settled in America long before Christopher Columbus, which would make him one of the first European settlers in the New World. However, there is no definitive historical evidence to support this claim, and some historians believe Madoc's story to be a myth.
Despite its mysterious origins, Maddock remains an appealing name choice for parents looking for something unique and distinctive for their child. While it may not have the same level of popularity as more traditional names like John or William, Maddock has been steadily gaining traction in recent years, particularly among parents who are drawn to its historical significance and connection to Welsh heritage.
In terms of pronunciation, Maddock is typically pronounced as "MAH-dawk," with emphasis on the first syllable. It rhymes with words like "radar" and "clad." As for its spelling, there are several variations of the name, including Madoc, Maddox, Maddux, and even Maddocks (which could be considered a surname rather than a given name). However, the most common spelling is Maddock.
Overall, Maddock is an uncommon yet captivating given name with roots in Welsh history and legend. Its meaning - "battle white" or "fair battle" - gives it a strong and noble connotation, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with deep historical ties.
Statistics show that the name Maddock has seen fluctuations in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2005 and 2021, there were a total of 166 births registered with this name.
In 2005, Maddock was given to 6 newborn babies, marking the start of its appearance on birth records. The following year, the number doubled to 13 births in 2006. This upward trend continued for the next few years, with 12 births each in 2007 and 2008, followed by another increase to 14 births in 2009.
The popularity of Maddock seemed to stabilize around this time, with the number of births hovering between 10 and 15 annually from 2010 to 2016. However, there was a noticeable decline starting in 2017, with only 5 births recorded that year. This trend continued into 2018 and 2019, with 7 and 5 births respectively.
Interestingly, the popularity of Maddock seemed to rebound slightly in recent years, with 6 births each in 2020 and 2021. Despite these fluctuations, Maddock remains a relatively uncommon name, as evidenced by its total of 166 births over 17 years.