"woman from Magdala (tower)"
Madaline
Does Madaline flow with your last name?
A tower of grace — classic Madeline with a twist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Similar Names
Names Like Madaline
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Madaline
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"high tower"
Playground Safety
Similar to Madaline
See all →What the Madaline report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Madaline the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Put Madaline head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →See what Madaline actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →The Story of Madaline
Madaline is a spelling variant of Madeline/Madeleine, derived from the biblical Mary Magdalene — 'woman from Magdala,' a town on the Sea of Galilee. The name Magdala itself likely derives from an Aramaic word meaning 'tower' or 'high place.' Mary Magdalene's story in the New Testament made this name revered throughout Christian Europe, evolving into Madeleine in French, Madeline in English, and now Madaline as a simplified modern spelling.
The Madeline spelling was brought to international prominence by Ludwig Bemelmans' beloved children's book series beginning in 1939, cementing it as an enduringly charming name. Madaline represents a simplified spelling that preserves the name's melodious sound while feeling slightly fresher and less formal.
Madeline/Madeleine is one of France's most beloved and culturally significant names, representing both devotion (Mary Magdalene) and joyful childhood (Bemelmans' little orphan). The French pronunciation adds an aristocratic elegance that has made all spelling variants beloved globally.
Historical Record
Madaline first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,395 babies have been named Madaline in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Madaline is past its peak , currently ranked #4,495 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ludwig Bemelmans' 'Madeline' (1939) has never gone out of print and has sold millions of copies worldwide
- The Madeleine cookie (French tea cake) was supposedly named after a pastry cook named Madeleine Paulmier
- In 2012, Madeline re-entered the US top 100 after decades away, showing the name's enduring appeal
Madaline in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Madaline
Madeleine Albright
Politician
1937
First female US Secretary of State (1997-2001), Czech-born diplomat and academic
Mary Magdalene
Religious
Biblical figure and follower of Jesus, first witness to the resurrection according to the Gospels
Madeline (fictional) Fictional
Entertainer
Beloved red-haired protagonist of Ludwig Bemelmans' classic French children's book series (1939)
Names You Might Also Love
See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #4,495
- Total SSA Count
- 31
- Cultural Origins
- English American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Madaline
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Madaline fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Similar Names
See all names like Madaline →For Parents
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Madaline with...
Same Origin Names (English)
See all English names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Madaline
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Madaline and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Madaline sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →Hebrew Yochanan origin
"gift of God"
#4,400 in US
Irish Gaelic origin
"battle-alert"
#4,328 in US
Latin origin
"light, illumination"
#4,382 in US
Old English place name origin
"clearing on a slope"
#4,599 in US
Old English haes + leah origin
"hazel-tree meadow, clearing of hazel ..."
#4,489 in US
Latin origin
"light"
#4,302 in US
Hawaiian origin
"royal sky"
#4,690 in US
Latin origin
"beloved"
#4,612 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Madaline's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Madaline
What does the name Madaline mean?
What is the origin of the name Madaline?
Is Madaline a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Madaline?
What are common nicknames for Madaline?
What are good middle names for Madaline?
What are good sibling names for Madaline?
How many syllables does Madaline have?
Is Madaline a common or rare name?
What girl names are similar to Madaline?
About the Name Madaline
Madaline is a girl name with English, American, and French origins . The name means "woman from Magdala (tower)" in Hebrew/Aramaic .
Madaline is currently ranked #4,495 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Madaline has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Madaline include Maddie, Maddy, Lina, and Mada. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Madaline include Madalyn, Madalynn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis