Madison \m(a)-di-son\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Madison), is pronounced MAD-ih-sun. Derived from the medieval woman's name Madeleine (Greek, French) "woman from Magdala". The surname evolved from Madde, which was a nickname for Madeleine. Use of Madison as a first name is influenced by James Madison, a major contributor to the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as well as American President during the War of 1812. Novelist Madison Smartt Bell.