NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Madeline

What is the origin of the name Madeline?

Madeline is a female given name, derived from the French name Madeleine, which has its origins in the Latin "Magdalena." The name comes from the Greek words "megas" (great) and "hagnos" (pure), and it was originally used to refer to Mary Magdalene, a prominent woman in the New Testament. Over time, this name has been adopted into various languages, including English, and has become a popular given name for girls in many countries.

Learn more about the origin of the name Madeline

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Madeline

Madeline is a female given name of French origin, derived from the Latin name Magdalena, which means "tower of Magdala." The town of Magdala was located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Palestine and is associated with Mary Magdalene in Christian tradition. The name Mary Magdalene is first mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible as a follower of Jesus Christ. The name Madeline gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly among the French aristocracy, and was eventually adopted by English speakers in the late 16th century. Today, it remains a popular name across the Western world, known for its feminine and classic sound, as well as its association with strength and wisdom.

Character traits associated with the name Madeline

Madeline is often associated with traits such as intelligence, curiosity, and independence. Named after a legendary French saint known for her wisdom and strong spirit, individuals named Madeline are commonly characterized by their intellectual pursuits and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. This name also suggests a sense of adventure and resilience, reflecting the explorer, Madeline de Paule, who was the first European woman to traverse North America. Madelines are often independent thinkers, with a strong will and determination that allows them to tackle challenges head-on. They value self-reliance and have a natural inclination towards leadership. Moreover, they possess a compassionate nature, which makes them excellent listeners and empathetic friends. Overall, the name Madeline is synonymous with intellectual prowess, adventure, independence, and empathy.

Popularity of the name Madeline

Madeline is a popular female given name of French origin, meaning "tower of Magdala." The name gained prominence in the English-speaking world due to the publication of Lewis Carroll's novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," where one of the characters is called Alice Pleasance Liddell, often referred to by her middle name, Madeline. In contemporary times, Madeline has consistently ranked among the top 500 most popular names for girls born in the United States since the 19th century. However, its popularity has varied over time, with fluctuations in trendiness. The name's current ranking in the U.S. is around the 400th most common name for newborn girls. Madeline remains a classic and beloved choice among parents due to its strong sound, easy pronunciation, and historical significance.

Famous people with the name Madeline

Madeline Albright, born in 1937, is a prominent American politician who served as the 64th United States Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton, becoming the first woman to hold that position. She was also the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations during President Clinton's first term. Prior to her diplomatic career, she taught political science at Wellesley College and held various academic positions. Her memoir, "Madam Secretary: A Memoir" (2003), provides insights into her life and career.

In the realm of literature, Madeline L'Engle, born in 1918 and passed away in 2007, was an acclaimed American writer who wrote more than 60 books, including the Newbery Medal-winning "A Wrinkle in Time" (1962). Her works often dealt with themes of science, faith, and morality, appealing to both children and adults.

Lastly, Madeline Kahn, born in 1942 and passed away in 1999, was an award-winning American actress renowned for her comedic roles in films such as "Young Frankenstein" (1974), "Blazing Saddles" (1974), and "The Princess Bride" (1987). She received four Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award for her work on Broadway.

Variations of the name Madeline

The name Madeline has several variants and alternate spellings in various cultures. Some common variations include Maddie, Mattie, Mady, Maeline, Maelida, Madeleine, Madalene, Madilyn, Madlyn, Madalynn, Madelynn, Matilda, Mathilde, and Maud. These versions may differ slightly in pronunciation and regional popularity, but they all share the same Germanic roots, meaning "woman from Magdala," a town in Galilee associated with Mary Magdalene in Christian tradition. The choice of variation often depends on personal preference, cultural background, or regional trends.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Mad art (First name)

forenames > mad-art

The origin of the first name "Madart" is uncertain. It does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English.

Mad-mad (First name)

forenames > mad-mad

The name "Mad" is of English origin. It is a variant of the name Maddox, which is derived from the Welsh name Madoc, meaning "fortunate" or "blessed."

Madaar (First name)

forenames > madaar

The name "Madaar" is of Arabic origin.

Madagonda (First name)

forenames > madagonda

The origin of the name Madagonda is Germanic. It is derived from the Old High German name "Madagunt" or "Magadagunda", which means "mighty in battle" or "strong in battle."

Madahsh (First name)

forenames > madahsh

Madahsh is a Hebrew name that means "Gift of God." It comes from the Hebrew name Matityahu, which means "gift of Yahweh."

Madai (First name)

forenames > madai

Madai is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Bible. In the Old Testament, Madai was one of the sons of Japheth (Noah's son) and the founder of the Medes, a people who lived i...

Madakini (First name)

forenames > madakini

The first name Madakini originates from the Sanskrit language in India. It is likely derived from Hindu mythology or religious texts.

Mădălin (First name)

forenames > m-d-lin

The name "Melin" is of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh word "melyn," meaning "yellow."

Madalina (First name)

forenames > madalina

The name Madalina is of Romanian origin. It is a variant of the name Magdalene, which is derived from the biblical figure Mary Magdalene.

Madalsa (First name)

forenames > madalsa

The origin of the first name Madalsa is Indian.

Madamdavid (First name)

forenames > madamdavid

The first name Madamdavid does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English.

Madan bairwa (First name)

forenames > madan-bairwa

The first name Madan Bairwa originates from India. "Madan" is a Hindi name meaning "god of love" or "cupid", and "Bairwa" is a common surname among the Bairwa community in India.

Madan c (First name)

forenames > madan-c

The name Madan is of Sanskrit origin, meaning "God of love" or "cupid." It is also a name for the Hindu god of love and desire.

Madan chandra (First name)

forenames > madan-chandra

The name Madan Chandra originates from India. "Madan" means Cupid or God of Love in Sanskrit, while "Chandra" means moon. Together, the name Madan Chandra can be translated as "moo...

Madan dhillon (First name)

forenames > madan-dhillon

The origin of the first name Madan Dhillon is Indian.