What does Madeline mean and where does it come from?
Madeline is derived from the Hebrew name Magdalene (מגדל), meaning 'of Magdala', which was a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. The name gained popularity through the biblical figure Mary Magdalene. In English-speaking countries, it has been popular since the 19th century, spurred by literature
Cultural significance
Madeline has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of magdala.
Peak popularity
Reached #50 in 1998 — currently #94 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madeline?
Madeline works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madeline Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madeline Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madeline Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madeline Claire
French influence · crisp
Madeline Jane
Literary · strong
Madeline Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madeline right now?
Rising — up 8 spots — currently #94 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #94 | 2,732 | ▲ up 8 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #102 | 2,698 | ▼ down 7 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #95 | 2,747 | stable · -1% births |
| 2020 | #95 | 2,771 | ▼ down 5 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #90 | 3,335 | ▼ down 13 · -7% births |
| 2010 | #77 | 3,603 | ▼ down 7 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #70 | 4,528 | ▼ down 14 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #56 | 5,370 | ▲ up 23 · +21% births |
| 1995 | #79 | 4,431 | ▲ up 119 · +197% births |
| 1990 | #198 | 1,493 | ▲ up 325 · +291% births |
| 1985 | #523 | 382 | ▲ up 198 · +65% births |
| 1980 | #721 | 232 | ▼ down 126 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #595 | 271 | ▼ down 61 · -23% births |
| 1970 | #534 | 354 | ▼ down 96 · -24% births |
| 1965 | #438 | 464 | — |
The story of Madeline
Madeline has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #50 in 1998. More than 193,345 babies have been named Madeline since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #347 in 1880 to #94 in 2023. Madeline is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Madeline in 1998:
Madeline by decade
Madeline peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 454 | |
| 1890s | 2,242 | |
| 1900s | 4,080 | |
| 1910s | 13,042 | |
| 1920s | 15,584 | |
| 1930s | 8,530 | |
| 1940s | 9,625 | |
| 1950s | 6,279 | |
| 1960s | 4,780 | |
| 1970s | 2,742 | |
| 1980s | 5,522 | |
| 1990s | 36,999 | |
| 2000s ★ | 48,351 | |
| 2010s | 32,344 | |
| 2020s | 2,771 | |
What are good nicknames for Madeline?
CROATIAN
MagdaMajdaMandaMandica
What names sound and feel like Madeline?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madeline also consider these
How is Madeline written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Madeline
What does the name Madeline mean?
Madeline means "of Magdala" — 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 Madeline?
Madeline is currently ranked #94 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Madeline?
Madeline 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 Madeline?
Madeline is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 D AH0 L IH0 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 Madeline?
Madeline 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.