What does Madelene mean and where does it come from?
Madelene is a variant of the name Madeleine and is rooted in the Hebrew name מִגְדָּל (Migdál), which means 'tower' or refers to 'the woman from Magdala.' This name has significant biblical connections, notably Mary Magdalene. The name has been used in various cultures and underwent adaptations thro
Cultural significance
Madelene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of woman from magdala, tower.
Peak popularity
Reached #913 in 1914 — currently #12929 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madelene?
Madelene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madelene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madelene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madelene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madelene Claire
French influence · crisp
Madelene Jane
Literary · strong
Madelene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madelene right now?
Falling — down 3525 spots — currently #12929 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12929 | 7 | ▼ down 3525 · -36% births |
| 2022 | #9404 | 11 | ▲ up 2354 · +38% births |
| 2021 | #11758 | 8 | ▲ up 341 · +14% births |
| 2020 | #12099 | 7 | ▼ down 1207 · -22% births |
| 2015 | #10892 | 9 | ▼ down 3968 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #6924 | 18 | ▼ down 1316 · -18% births |
| 2005 | #5608 | 22 | ▼ down 1062 · -15% births |
| 2000 | #4546 | 26 | ▼ down 1384 · -28% births |
| 1995 | #3162 | 36 | ▲ up 1382 · +71% births |
| 1990 | #4544 | 21 | ▲ up 1416 · +91% births |
| 1980 | #5960 | 11 | ▼ down 2165 · -35% births |
| 1975 | #3795 | 17 | ▼ down 670 · -19% births |
| 1970 | #3125 | 21 | ▼ down 363 · +5% births |
| 1965 | #2762 | 20 | ▲ up 165 · +11% births |
| 1960 | #2927 | 18 | — |
The story of Madelene
Madelene has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. With 2,671 total births recorded, Madelene remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1551 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12929 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Madelene in 1914:
Madelene by decade
Madelene peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 52 | |
| 1900s | 92 | |
| 1910s | 365 | |
| 1920s ★ | 412 | |
| 1930s | 245 | |
| 1940s | 231 | |
| 1950s | 259 | |
| 1960s | 222 | |
| 1970s | 158 | |
| 1980s | 67 | |
| 1990s | 245 | |
| 2000s | 210 | |
| 2010s | 106 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎With 2,671 total births, Madelene is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Madelene?
What names sound and feel like Madelene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madelene also consider these
Common questions about the name Madelene
What does the name Madelene mean?
Madelene means "woman from Magdala, tower" — 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 Madelene?
Madelene 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 Madelene?
Madelene 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 Madelene?
Madelene is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE0 D AH0 L IY1 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 Madelene?
Madelene 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.