What does Madge mean and where does it come from?
Madge is a diminutive form of the name Margaret, which means 'pearl.' This name was widely used in England throughout the 19th century. The name peaks in popularity during the mid-20th century; famous bearers of the name include Madge Bellamy, an American actress from the silent film era. The name h
Cultural significance
Madge has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a diminutive of margaret, meaning pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #217 in 1898 — currently #1259 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madge?
Madge works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madge Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madge Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madge Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madge Claire
French influence · crisp
Madge Jane
Literary · strong
Madge Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madge right now?
Holding steady — currently #1259 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1259 | 941 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1264 | 921 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1269 | 891 | ▲ up 3897 · +8000% births |
| 1975 | #5166 | 11 | ▲ up 1197 · +57% births |
| 1970 | #6363 | 7 | ▼ down 2629 · -42% births |
| 1965 | #3734 | 12 | ▼ down 1877 · -68% births |
| 1960 | #1857 | 37 | ▼ down 340 · -18% births |
| 1955 | #1517 | 45 | ▼ down 257 · -15% births |
| 1950 | #1260 | 53 | ▼ down 319 · -20% births |
| 1945 | #941 | 66 | ▼ down 319 · -48% births |
| 1940 | #622 | 127 | ▼ down 64 · -3% births |
| 1935 | #558 | 131 | ▼ down 92 · -37% births |
| 1930 | #466 | 209 | ▼ down 79 · -33% births |
| 1925 | #387 | 314 | ▼ down 85 · -32% births |
| 1920 | #302 | 464 | — |
The story of Madge
Madge has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 13,430 babies have received this name. Once ranked #244 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1259 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Madge in 1898:
Madge by decade
Madge peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 574 | |
| 1890s | 1,162 | |
| 1900s | 1,696 | |
| 1910s | 3,336 | |
| 1920s ★ | 3,447 | |
| 1930s | 1,553 | |
| 1940s | 876 | |
| 1950s | 484 | |
| 1960s | 217 | |
| 1970s | 67 | |
| 1980s | 13 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
What are good nicknames for Madge?
ENGLISH
MaeganMaeghanMeaganMeaghanMeganMeghan
What names sound and feel like Madge?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madge also consider these
How is Madge written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Madge
What does the name Madge mean?
Madge means "a diminutive of Margaret, meaning pearl" — a name rooted in England 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 Madge?
Madge is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Madge?
Madge originates from England tradition. England 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 Madge?
Madge is a one-syllable name pronounced M AE1 JH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Madge sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Madge flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Madge ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.