Madsen is a Danish surname that originated from the given name "Mads," which is a variation of the name "Matthew" in English. It is a common patronymic surname in Denmark, meaning it is derived from the father's first name, such as "Madsen" meaning "son of Mads." Individuals with the surname Madsen may have ancestors who were named Mads or were descendants of someone named Mads. Madsen is a popular surname in Denmark and can be found in various parts of the country. It is a versatile and timeless surname that carries a sense of heritage and tradition.