Madeline
Madeline is a girl name of French origin meaning “Woman from Magdala”, pronounced MAD-uh-lin. It ranked #81 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,086 babies, and peaked at #50 in 1998. Common nicknames: Maddie, Mads, Lina.
How popular is Madeline 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 Madeline mean, and where does it come from?
Madeline is the French form of Magdalene, meaning "woman from Magdala," a town on the Sea of Galilee. The name ultimately honors Mary Magdalene, one of the most important figures in the New Testament, who witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The French pronunciation gave rise to the name Madeleine, which became popular across Europe. Ludwig Bemelmans' beloved 1939 children's book series about a Parisian schoolgirl named Madeline cemented the name in popular culture. Its aristocratic French elegance combined with literary charm has kept it consistently appealing to parents for generations.
How is Madeline used around the world?
Madeline is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Madeline?
Famous People Named Madeline
- Madeleine Albright — first female US Secretary of State
- Madeline Kahn — American actress and comedian
- Madeleine L'Engle — American author of A Wrinkle in Time
Similar Names to Madeline
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Sibling Name Ideas for Madeline
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Madeline mean?
Madeline is a girl name of French origin meaning "Woman from Magdala." Madeline is the French form of Magdalene, meaning "woman from Magdala," a town on the Sea of Galilee. The name ultimately honors Mary Magdalene, one of the most important figures in the New Testament, who witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
How do you pronounce Madeline?
Madeline is pronounced MAD-uh-lin. Common variations include Madeleine, Madelyn, Madalyn.
Is Madeline a girl name?
Yes, Madeline is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Maddie, Mads, Lina.