What does Madaline mean and where does it come from?
Madaline is a variant of Madeline and has roots in both French and English cultures. It emerged in the United States in the 20th century and gained popularity due to literary and film influences. The name refers to Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in Christianity.
Cultural significance
Madaline has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from magdalen, meaning 'of magdala' or 'tower'..
Peak popularity
Reached #619 in 1906 — currently #4941 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Madaline?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Madaline?
Madaline works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madaline Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madaline Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madaline Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madaline Claire
French influence · crisp
Madaline Jane
Literary · strong
Madaline Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madaline right now?
Rising fast — up 628 spots — currently #4941 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4941 | 27 | ▲ up 628 · +17% births |
| 2022 | #5569 | 23 | ▼ down 387 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #5182 | 25 | ▲ up 862 · +32% births |
| 2020 | #6044 | 19 | ▼ down 2455 · -56% births |
| 2015 | #3589 | 43 | ▼ down 1205 · -46% births |
| 2010 | #2384 | 79 | ▼ down 42 · +4% births |
| 2005 | #2342 | 76 | ▼ down 250 · -3% births |
| 2000 | #2092 | 78 | ▲ up 429 · +56% births |
| 1995 | #2521 | 50 | ▲ up 3338 · +233% births |
| 1990 | #5859 | 15 | ▲ up 3513 · +150% births |
| 1985 | #9372 | 6 | ▲ up 1111 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #10483 | 5 | ▼ down 6311 · -67% births |
| 1975 | #4172 | 15 | ▲ up 345 · +25% births |
| 1970 | #4517 | 12 | ▼ down 532 · +9% births |
| 1965 | #3985 | 11 | — |
The story of Madaline
Madaline has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 4,862 total births recorded, Madaline remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1179 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4941 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Madaline in 1906:
Madaline by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 126 | |
| 1900s | 255 | |
| 1910s | 701 | |
| 1920s ★ | 794 | |
| 1930s | 364 | |
| 1940s | 330 | |
| 1950s | 255 | |
| 1960s | 144 | |
| 1970s | 101 | |
| 1980s | 97 | |
| 1990s | 430 | |
| 2000s | 765 | |
| 2010s | 476 | |
| 2020s | 19 | |
💎With 4,862 total births, Madaline is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Madaline?
What names sound and feel like Madaline?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madaline also consider these
Common questions about the name Madaline
What does the name Madaline mean?
Madaline means "Derived from Magdalen, meaning 'of Magdala' or 'tower'." — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Madaline?
Madaline is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Madaline?
Madaline originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Madaline?
Madaline is a three-syllable name pronounced M AA1 D AH0 L AY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Madaline?
Madaline pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.