According to Adi Sankara' s commentary on the Vishnu sahasranama, Madhava means the consort (dhava) of the Mother (Ma), or Mahalaksmi, the 'Mother of the Universe'. Alternatively, it means 'one who is fit to be known through Madhu-vidya' or can mean 'One who is the Lord of Ma or knowledge'. Additionally, it can also mean 'One who was born in the clan of Madhu'.