What does Madelyn mean and where does it come from?
The name Madelyn is a variant of Madeline, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name מִגְדָלָה (Migdalah), meaning 'tower.' The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the 19th century. It has been commonly associated with the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, who was from the town
Cultural significance
Madelyn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of woman from magdala.
Peak popularity
Reached #59 in 2009 — currently #58 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madelyn?
Madelyn works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madelyn Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madelyn Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madelyn Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madelyn Claire
French influence · crisp
Madelyn Jane
Literary · strong
Madelyn Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madelyn right now?
Holding steady — currently #58 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #58 | 3,643 | ▲ up 2 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #60 | 3,722 | ▲ up 11 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #71 | 3,427 | ▼ down 5 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #66 | 3,520 | ▼ down 7 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #59 | 4,481 | ▲ up 17 · +24% births |
| 2010 | #76 | 3,618 | ▲ up 31 · +20% births |
| 2005 | #107 | 3,019 | ▲ up 18 · +12% births |
| 2000 | #125 | 2,684 | ▲ up 240 · +275% births |
| 1995 | #365 | 716 | ▲ up 370 · +152% births |
| 1990 | #735 | 284 | ▲ up 1009 · +337% births |
| 1985 | #1744 | 65 | ▼ down 294 · -23% births |
| 1980 | #1450 | 84 | ▼ down 133 · +1% births |
| 1975 | #1317 | 83 | ▼ down 111 · -12% births |
| 1970 | #1206 | 94 | ▼ down 252 · -18% births |
| 1965 | #954 | 115 | — |
The story of Madelyn
Madelyn has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. Its peak popularity was #59 in 2009. A total of 98,406 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1328 in 1890 to #58 in 2023. Madelyn is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Madelyn in 2009:
Madelyn by decade
Madelyn peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 156 | |
| 1900s | 417 | |
| 1910s | 1,924 | |
| 1920s | 2,869 | |
| 1930s | 1,628 | |
| 1940s | 2,297 | |
| 1950s | 1,960 | |
| 1960s | 1,139 | |
| 1970s | 870 | |
| 1980s | 1,206 | |
| 1990s | 8,640 | |
| 2000s | 32,643 | |
| 2010s ★ | 39,137 | |
| 2020s | 3,520 | |
What are good nicknames for Madelyn?
CROATIAN
MagdaMajdaMandaMandica
What names sound and feel like Madelyn?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madelyn also consider these
How is Madelyn written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Madelyn
What does the name Madelyn mean?
Madelyn means "Woman from Magdala" — 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 Madelyn?
Madelyn is currently ranked #58 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 Madelyn?
Madelyn 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 Madelyn?
Madelyn is a two-syllable name pronounced M AE1 D IH0 L IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Madelyn more of a girl or boy name?
Madelyn is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.