Madeleine
Madeleine is a girl name of French origin meaning “Woman from Magdala”, pronounced MAD-uh-lin. It ranked #455 in the United States in 2025, given to 679 babies, and peaked at #217 in 1998. Common nicknames: Maddie, Mads, Lena.
How popular is Madeleine in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Madeleine mean, and where does it come from?
Madeleine is the classic French spelling of Magdalene, honoring Mary Magdalene, the New Testament follower of Jesus who was present at the crucifixion and resurrection. The name is also famously tied to the small shell-shaped French sponge cake, the madeleine, immortalized by Marcel Proust in "In Search of Lost Time" as a trigger for involuntary memory. Ludwig Bemelmans borrowed the French spelling for his beloved storybook heroine, a spirited Parisian schoolgirl, introducing the name to generations of English-speaking children. Madeleine retains an elegant, distinctly French sophistication compared to its anglicized cousin Madeline.
How is Madeleine used around the world?
Madeleine is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 10+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Madeleine?
Famous People Named Madeleine
- Madeleine Albright — first female US Secretary of State
- Madeleine McCann — subject of a widely known missing-person case
- Madeleine L'Engle — American author of A Wrinkle in Time
Similar Names to Madeleine
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Sibling Name Ideas for Madeleine
Looking for names that pair well with Madeleine? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Madeleine mean?
Madeleine is a girl name of French origin meaning "Woman from Magdala." Madeleine is the classic French spelling of Magdalene, honoring Mary Magdalene, the New Testament follower of Jesus who was present at the crucifixion and resurrection. The name is also famously tied to the small shell-shaped French sponge cake, the madeleine, immortalized by Marcel Proust in "In Search of Lost Time" as a trigger for involuntary memory.
How do you pronounce Madeleine?
Madeleine is pronounced MAD-uh-lin. Common variations include Madeline, Madelyn, Madelaine.
Is Madeleine a girl name?
Yes, Madeleine is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Maddie, Mads, Lena.