What does Madelaine mean and where does it come from?
Madelaine is a French name that has become more popular in English-speaking countries. It is derived from the Hebrew name 'Magdalene', known from Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. The name has seen variations such as Madeleine and Madeline, the latter being a popular choice in modern contexts. It
Cultural significance
Madelaine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.
Peak popularity
Reached #1043 in 1942 — currently #5324 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madelaine?
Madelaine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madelaine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madelaine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madelaine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madelaine Claire
French influence · crisp
Madelaine Jane
Literary · strong
Madelaine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madelaine right now?
Falling — down 1064 spots — currently #5324 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5324 | 24 | ▼ down 1064 · -29% births |
| 2022 | #4260 | 34 | ▼ down 53 |
| 2021 | #4207 | 34 | ▲ up 218 · +13% births |
| 2020 | #4425 | 30 | ▲ up 1611 · +43% births |
| 2015 | #6036 | 21 | ▼ down 3163 · -65% births |
| 2010 | #2873 | 60 | ▼ down 85 · +2% births |
| 2005 | #2788 | 59 | ▼ down 1010 · -40% births |
| 2000 | #1778 | 98 | ▼ down 302 · -9% births |
| 1995 | #1476 | 108 | ▲ up 575 · +66% births |
| 1990 | #2051 | 65 | ▲ up 2835 · +333% births |
| 1985 | #4886 | 15 | ▲ up 399 · +15% births |
| 1980 | #5285 | 13 | ▼ down 880 · -7% births |
| 1975 | #4405 | 14 | ▲ up 1075 · +56% births |
| 1970 | #5480 | 9 | ▼ down 202 · +29% births |
| 1960 | #5278 | 7 | — |
The story of Madelaine
Madelaine entered American naming records in 1901 and has been in use for over 123 years. With 3,253 total births recorded, Madelaine remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2334 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5324 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Madelaine in 1942:
Madelaine by decade
Madelaine peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 21 | |
| 1910s | 88 | |
| 1920s | 163 | |
| 1930s | 56 | |
| 1940s | 304 | |
| 1950s | 179 | |
| 1960s | 82 | |
| 1970s | 110 | |
| 1980s | 213 | |
| 1990s ★ | 939 | |
| 2000s | 734 | |
| 2010s | 334 | |
| 2020s | 30 | |
💎With 3,253 total births, Madelaine is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Madelaine?
CROATIAN
MagdaMajdaMandaMandica
What names sound and feel like Madelaine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madelaine also consider these
How is Madelaine written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Madelaine
What does the name Madelaine mean?
Madelaine means "French" — a name rooted in France 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 Madelaine?
Madelaine 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 Madelaine?
Madelaine originates from France tradition. France 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 Madelaine?
Madelaine is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 D IH0 L EY0 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 Madelaine?
Madelaine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.