What does Madlene mean and where does it come from?
Madlene is a variant of the name Madeleine, derived from the name of the town Magdala, which was located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene, a biblical figure, the name has retained popularity in various cultures, particularly in French-speaking countri
Cultural significance
Madlene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of magdala.
Peak popularity
Reached #3699 in 1934 — currently #807 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madlene?
Madlene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madlene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madlene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madlene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madlene Claire
French influence · crisp
Madlene Jane
Literary · strong
Madlene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madlene right now?
Holding steady — currently #807 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #807 | 1,393 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #812 | 1,373 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #817 | 1,343 | — |
The story of Madlene
Madlene entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 36 total births recorded, Madlene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #817 in 2021 to #807 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Madlene in 1934:
Madlene by decade
Madlene peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 7 | |
| 1920s | 10 | |
| 1930s ★ | 12 | |
| 1940s | 7 | |
💎Madlene has only 36 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Madlene?
What names sound and feel like Madlene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madlene also consider these
Common questions about the name Madlene
What does the name Madlene mean?
Madlene 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 Madlene?
Madlene is currently ranked #807 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 Madlene?
Madlene 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 Madlene?
Madlene is a two-syllable name pronounced M AE1 D L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Madlene a common or rare name?
Madlene is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.