Surname Maddock - Meaning and Origin
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Maddock: What does the surname Maddock mean?
The surname Maddock is of Welsh origin, derived from the biblical name Madoc, which means "beneficent" or "fortunate". This name was popular during the Middle Ages due to the legendary Welsh prince Madoc, who reportedly traveled to America three centuries before Columbus. The stories of his exploit were significant within Welsh folklore.
Over time, variations of the name emerged, including Madog, Maddox, and Maddock. Today, there are numerous families with the surname Maddock around the world; however, the name remains most prevalent in Wales. It's also used as a given name, particularly in Wales and English-speaking countries. Like many surnames, Maddock can represent a connection to historical roots, royal lineage, and ancestral lore. However, the precise connotation can fluctuate based on individual family histories and narratives.
Order DNA origin analysisMaddock: Where does the name Maddock come from?
The last name Maddock originated from Wales in the United Kingdom, where it was derived from the Welsh male given name "Madog," which in turn is believed to come from the Old Welsh name "Matoc," meaning "goodly" or "fortunate."
The name Maddock has an old and distinguished history; Saint Madog, a Welsh monk from the 5th century AD, and Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor, a prominent Welsh prince in the 12th century, are among its notable bearers. Legend also speaks of a Welsh prince named Madog ab Owain Gwynedd, who purportedly discovered America in 1170, more than 300 years prior to Christopher Columbus.
Today, the surname Maddock is still most common in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with a strong Welsh history or connection. However, due to historical migrations and diaspora, it can also be found in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other parts of the world where people of Welsh descent have settled. Despite this, Maddock is not a highly populous surname globally, maintaining its rarity and distinctiveness.
Variations of the surname Maddock
The surname Maddock, of Welsh origin, has several variants and alternate spellings. Typically, variations arose due to misspellings, regional accent influences, or translation adaptations over time. Variants and possible spellings of Maddock could include Maddocks, Maddex, Maddix, Maddick, Madoc, Madock, Madocks, Maddick, Maddog, and Maddox.
In Welsh, the surname is traditionally spelled as "Madog" or "Madoc", stemming from the old Welsh personal name meaning "beneficent" or "fortunate". There are English variants of the surname too, which tend to add the 's' suffix forming "Maddocks" or "Maddox".
This surname could also potentially be anglicized from the Irish surname Ó Madadhan, meaning descendant of Madadhán. In such cases, the English version could be spelled as "Madden".
These spelling and variant possibilities represent some of the key ways the Maddock surname could be modified or altered over years and across different regions. However, as with all surname derivations, the specific familial connections and history will ultimately determine the most accurate variants for specific individuals or families.
Famous people with the name Maddock
- Sarah Maddock: British voice actress
- Michael Maddock: founder and CEO of Maddock Douglas, an innovation consulting firm
- Dave Maddock: former English footballer
- G. B. Maddock: However, he was also referred to as A Maddock: composer of Christian music
- Garnet Maddock: Canadian painter
- Lina Maddock Summers: competition swimmer
- Nick Maddock: founding member of the comedy group Lee and Herring
- Osbourne Maddock: Welsh poet
- Ryan Maddock: Canadian actor
- Sidney Maddock: English cricketer