"woman from Magdala"
Origin: Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine)
Language: English
Madeline
Pronunciation: [ m-AD-uhl-ihn ]
Girl Name
#87 Most Popular
Steady
3 Syllables
A Parisian storybook heroine with a biblical soul
English
French
American
Classic
Literary
Vintage
Elegant
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"tower, high place"
Origin: Hebrew (migdal)
Language: English
"woman from Magdala; high tower"
Origin: Hebrew via French
Language: English
"tower; watchtower"
Origin: Hebrew Migdal
Language: Hebrew
The Story of Madeline
Madeline is an English form of Madeleine, the French form of Magdalene — derived from 'Magdala,' a town on the Sea of Galilee. Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus's most devoted followers, gave her name (and the town's name) to generations of girls. The name reached England through French Norman influence after 1066 and has maintained elegance across centuries.
Madeline has been consistently popular in the United States since the 1990s, boosted enormously by Ludwig Bemelmans's beloved children's book series Madeline, first published in 1939. The little girl in two straight lines in Paris remains one of the most enduring images in children's literature, giving the name a storybook quality that parents love.
The Madeline children's book series has sold tens of millions of copies worldwide, making the name synonymous with brave, curious, independent girls in children's culture. Mary Magdalene's religious significance gives the name deep spiritual roots. In France, Madeleine is also a small sponge cake created in the 18th century, immortalized in Proust's Remembrance of Things Past.
Fun Facts
- The Madeline children's books by Ludwig Bemelmans have sold over 15 million copies worldwide since 1939
- Marcel Proust used a madeleine cake as the central metaphor for involuntary memory in Remembrance of Things Past
- Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection in all four Gospel accounts — making this a profoundly significant biblical name
Madeline in Other Languages
Greek
Μαγδαληνή (Magdalini)
French
Madeleine
German
Magdalena
Hebrew
מִגְדָּלִית (Migdalit)
Italian
Maddalena
Spanish
Magdalena
Famous People Named Madeline
M
Madeline Brewer
Actor
1992
American actress known for The Handmaid's Tale and the Netflix film Cam
M
Madeline Kahn
Actor
1942
Beloved American comedy actress known for Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Clue
M
Madeleine Albright
Politician
1937
First female US Secretary of State (1997-2001), born in Czechoslovakia, symbol of women's rise in American diplomacy
M
Madeline (Bemelmans) Fictional
Other
The fearless, red-haired protagonist of Ludwig Bemelmans's classic children's book series set in Paris
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #87
- Total SSA Count
- 2,907
- Cultural Origins
- English French American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Maddie
Maddi
Maddie
Lena
Pairs Well With
Madeline Rose
Madeline Grace
Madeline Claire
Madeline Elise
Madeline Jane
Madeline Louise
Madeline Kate
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Madeline is also used as a boy name, ranked #42406.
View Madeline as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madeline
What does the name Madeline mean?
"woman from Magdala" (from Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine)). "tower, high place" (from Hebrew (migdal)). "woman from Magdala; high tower" (from Hebrew via French). "tower; watchtower" (from Hebrew Migdal). Madeline is an English form of Madeleine, the French form of Magdalene — derived from 'Magdala,' a town on the Sea of Galilee. Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus's most devoted followers, gave her name (and the town's name) to generations of girls. The name reached England through French Norman influence after 1066 and has maintained elegance across centuries.
What is the origin of the name Madeline?
Madeline has Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine), Hebrew (migdal), Hebrew via French, Hebrew Migdal, English, French, and American origins. In Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine), it means "woman from Magdala". In Hebrew (migdal), it means "tower, high place". In Hebrew via French, it means "woman from Magdala; high tower". In Hebrew Migdal, it means "tower; watchtower".
Is Madeline a boy or girl name?
Madeline is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #87. As a boy name, it is ranked #42406. Madeline is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Madeline?
Madeline is pronounced m-AD-uhl-ihn.
How popular is the name Madeline?
Madeline is currently ranked #87 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Madeline?
Common nicknames for Madeline include Maddie, Maddi, Maddie, and Lena.
What are good middle names for Madeline?
Popular middle name pairings include Madeline Rose, Madeline Grace, Madeline Claire, Madeline Elise, Madeline Jane, Madeline Louise, and Madeline Kate.
What are good sibling names for Madeline?
Names that pair well with Madeline as siblings include Charlotte, Eleanor, Josephine, Henry, Oliver, Theodore, and Harriet.
How many syllables does Madeline have?
Madeline has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Madeline a common or rare name?
Madeline is a very popular name, ranked #87 among girl names in the United States.
About the Name Madeline
Madeline is a girl name with English, French, and American origins . The name means "woman from Magdala" in Hebrew (Magdalene via French Madeleine) .
Is Madeline a boy or girl name? Madeline is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #87 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #42,406. Madeline is more commonly used as a girl name.
Madeline is currently ranked #87 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Madeline has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-AD-uhl-ihn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Madeline include Maddie, Maddi, Maddie, and Lena. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Madeline include Madelyn, Madeleine, Madelynn, Madelyne, Madelin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.