Meaning & Story
Madigan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'O Madaigin' — meaning 'descendant of the little dog' (from 'mada,' dog). As a name it has a delightful irony and a lovely Celtic warmth.
Madigan is one of those perfect pet names where the etymology explains everything — it literally means 'little dog,' which makes it the most self-referential, self-aware pet name imaginable. The Irish heritage gives it genuine Celtic warmth, and the surname structure gives it an appealing formality. There is something deeply charming about naming your dog something that means exactly what he is. A name of beautiful, honest circularity.