Maddox

Origin

Maddox is a surname of Welsh origin, derived from the old Welsh personal name "Madog" or "Matoc". The name "Madoc" itself is believed to come from the Welsh word "mad" which means "fortunate" or "good", combined with "awg" or "oc", meaning "son of" or "favourite son".

History

The surname Maddox has a long history in Wales and has been traced back to the early medieval period. The name is associated with various influential families in Welsh history, particularly in the regions of Powys and Gwynedd.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Maddox spread beyond Wales to other parts of the United Kingdom, most notably England. Immigrants from Wales with the surname Maddox settled in different regions of England, contributing to the spread of the name.

Notable People

  • Arthur Maddox (1831–1878) - A British painter known for his landscape paintings inspired by the Welsh countryside.
  • William Maddox (1900–1965) - A Welsh politician and advocate for worker's rights in the early 20th century.
  • Evan Maddox (born 1985) - British actor known for his roles in theatre productions and television dramas.

Variants

Variants of the surname Maddox include Madoc, Maddocks, and Maddix.

Coat of Arms

The Maddox family has a documented coat of arms, which features symbols such as a lion rampant, representing courage and strength, and a chevron, symbolising protection.

Modern Distribution

The surname Maddox remains relatively common in Wales and the United Kingdom, as well as in countries with significant Welsh diaspora populations, such as the United States and Australia. It continues to be passed down through generations, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British surnames.

There are approximately 3,372 people named Maddox in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,707th most common surname in Britain. Around 52 in a million people in Britain are named Maddox.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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