Madeleine
Woman from Magdala — a girl name of French origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Madeleine
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.
Madeleine 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.
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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Madeleine
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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.
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