Madis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Madis

What does the name Madis mean?

Madis is one of the oldest family names to come from the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from the baptismal name Matilda, a popular woman's name in the 11th century.

Early Origins of the Madis family

The surname Madis was first found in Durham where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Madis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Madis research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Madis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Madis Spelling Variations

Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Madis has undergone many spelling variations, including Madison, Maddison, Maddeson and others.

Early Notables of the Madis family

Sir Lionel Madison of Newcastle

Migration of the Madis family

To escape the unstable social climate in England of this time, many families boarded ships for the New World with the hope of finding land, opportunity, and greater religious and political freedom. Although the voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, those families that arrived often found greater opportunities and freedoms than they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Madis were among those contributors: Isaac and Mary Maddeson, who settled in Virginia in 1623; Captain Maddison, who settled in Virginia in 1626; John and Mary Maddison, who settled in Virginia in 1624.

Contemporary Notables of the name Madis (post 1700) +

Madis Milling (1970-2022), Estonian actor, television and radio presenter and politician, member of the XIII Riigikogu and XIV Riigikogu

The Madis Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vae timido
Motto Translation: Woe to the timid.