What does Madeleine mean and where does it come from?
Madeleine is a French name that stems from the Hebrew name Magdala (מַגְדָל), which means 'tower' or 'elevated place.' The name gained popularity due to Saint Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in Christianity. In the 20th century, it became popular in English-speaking countries, partly due to the f
Cultural significance
Madeleine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.
Peak popularity
Reached #217 in 1998 — currently #444 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madeleine?
Madeleine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madeleine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madeleine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madeleine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madeleine Claire
French influence · crisp
Madeleine Jane
Literary · strong
Madeleine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madeleine right now?
Falling — down 62 spots — currently #444 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #444 | 689 | ▼ down 62 · -16% births |
| 2022 | #382 | 820 | stable |
| 2021 | #382 | 819 | ▲ up 12 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #394 | 781 | ▼ down 92 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #302 | 1,066 | ▲ up 19 · +7% births |
| 2010 | #321 | 993 | ▲ up 9 · +3% births |
| 2005 | #330 | 968 | ▼ down 50 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #280 | 1,153 | ▲ up 1 · +17% births |
| 1995 | #281 | 987 | ▲ up 296 · +146% births |
| 1990 | #577 | 402 | ▲ up 784 · +319% births |
| 1985 | #1361 | 96 | ▲ up 604 · +78% births |
| 1980 | #1965 | 54 | ▲ up 98 · +29% births |
| 1975 | #2063 | 42 | ▲ up 63 · +11% births |
| 1970 | #2126 | 38 | ▼ down 936 · -54% births |
| 1965 | #1190 | 82 | — |
The story of Madeleine
Madeleine has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. A total of 42,005 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #824 in 1885 to #444 in 2023. Madeleine is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Madeleine in 1998:
Madeleine by decade
Madeleine peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 104 | |
| 1890s | 433 | |
| 1900s | 506 | |
| 1910s | 1,373 | |
| 1920s | 2,121 | |
| 1930s | 1,330 | |
| 1940s | 2,052 | |
| 1950s | 1,336 | |
| 1960s | 805 | |
| 1970s | 400 | |
| 1980s | 1,296 | |
| 1990s | 8,925 | |
| 2000s ★ | 10,624 | |
| 2010s | 9,919 | |
| 2020s | 781 | |
What are good nicknames for Madeleine?
CROATIAN
MagdaMajdaMandaMandica
What names sound and feel like Madeleine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madeleine also consider these
How is Madeleine written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Madeleine
What does the name Madeleine mean?
Madeleine 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 Madeleine?
Madeleine is currently ranked #444 in the United States as a baby 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 Madeleine?
Madeleine 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 Madeleine?
Madeleine is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE2 D AH0 L EH1 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 Madeleine?
Madeleine 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.