It was always going to be Madison. My parents decided on my name before they were even aware they would have a baby girl. For my sister, they debated three names up until the hour before she was born, but for me, Madison stuck with them.

My parents were not original; my name was third in baby popularity the year I was born, 2005 (“Most Popular”), and first in popularity where I was born, Nashville Tennessee (“Top 5”). I wish my name was more unique. My parents wanted a “strong girl's name,” and despite it being so common, they chose Madison. It always bothers me that they never never considered other options- but I guess that means they love it. Despite my name being in the top 50 names for decades, it fits me. 

 I’ve come to realize that my parents were correct that Madison was a powerful girl's name- and it works for me. I have been an athlete since I was five years old. My family and friends describe me as someone determined, persistent, and independent- all of which are traits that remind me of having strength. The literal meaning of Madison even symbolizes strength in itself. Madison was derived from the English surname, Matheieson, which biblically means “son of Matthew”, a gift of God. In German, where my dad's side of the family is from, it stands for “strength in battle” (Wisner). Having the name Madison helps me remember where I’m from. My parents wanted a strong girl's name, and to me, that shows their strength as much as mine. I grew up in a family that strived for success everywhere in life. Being named Madison reminds me of my parents and their love and pride in me and our family.

Works Cited 

"Most Popular Baby Names in 2005." BabyCenter,     www.babycenter.com/baby-names/most-popular/top-baby-names-2005. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023.

"Top 5 Baby Names by State for Births in 2005." Social Security, www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/state/top5_2005.html. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023.

Wisner, Wendy. "Madison Name Meaning." Verywell Family, Nov. 2022, www.verywellfamily.com/madison-name-meaning-origin-popularity-5182473#:~:text=People%20Named%20Madison-,What%20Does%20Madison%20Mean%3F,%E2%80%9D%20or%20%E2%80%9CMatthew's%20son%E2%80%9D.  Accessed 18 Sept. 2023.