Madeline vs Madeleine
A side-by-side comparison of Madeline and Madeleine — meaning, origin, pronunciation, popularity, and cultural significance.
Madeline vs Madeleine: the key differences
Madeline and Madeleine are spellings of the same name. Madeline is of English origin and Madeleine of French origin; Madeline means “woman from Magdala” and Madeleine means “woman from Magdala, elevated tower”. Both are used for girls.
In 2025, Madeline ranked #81 and Madeleine #454 among girls' names in the US, so Madeline was the more common choice, 373 places ahead of Madeleine. Madeline peaked at #50 in 1998, Madeleine at #217 in 1998.
Madeline has 3 syllables and 8 letters; Madeleine has 2 syllables and 9. Either pairs well with siblings like Josephine.
how do Madeline and Madeleine compare?
| Madeline | Attribute | Madeleine |
|---|---|---|
woman from Magdala | Meaning | woman from Magdala, elevated tower |
| English | Origin | French |
MAD-uh-lin | Pronunciation | mad-LEN |
| girl | Gender | girl |
3 syllables, 8 letters | Sound | 2 syllables, 9 letters |
Maddie, Maddy, Madi | Nicknames | Maddie |
Madeleine, Madelyn, Magdalene, Magdalena | Variants | Madeline, Magdalena |
#50 in 1998 | All-time peak | #217 in 1998 |
Madeline Kahn (actress); Madeline Miller (writer) | Famous namesakes | Madeleine de Scudéry (17th-century French novelist); Madeleine Albright (first female U.S. Secretary of State) |
Anglicized from the French Madeleine, from the Greek Magdalene, of Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee whose Aramaic name is usually explained as tower. The medieval name also absorbed a separate Germanic name, Madalinde. | Etymology | Through Magdalena from the Aramaic Magdala, tower, or elevated and great: the town on the Sea of Galilee traditionally held to be Mary Magdalene's home. |
| #81 | Popularity (2025) | #454 |
The English form of Madeleine, from Magdalene, the byname of Mary Magdalene. It is also the name of the small Parisian schoolgirl in Ludwig Bemelmans's picture books, first published in 1939. | Cultural Note | Forever linked with Proust's famous madeleine cake that triggered an avalanche of memory in 'In Search of Lost Time.' The name also honors Mary Magdalene and has deep roots in French culture. It evokes nostalgia, literary refinement, and the sweetness of remembrance. |
which is more popular: Madeline or Madeleine?
Madeline
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #81 |
| 2024 | #86 |
| 2023 | #95 |
| 2022 | #102 |
| 2021 | #95 |
Madeleine
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #455 |
| 2024 | #441 |
| 2023 | #444 |
| 2022 | #383 |
| 2021 | #382 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset
questions about Madeline and Madeleine
What is the difference between Madeline and Madeleine?
Madeline and Madeleine are spellings of the same name. Madeline is of English origin and Madeleine of French origin; Madeline means “woman from Magdala” and Madeleine means “woman from Magdala, elevated tower”. Both are used for girls.
Which is more popular, Madeline or Madeleine?
In 2025, Madeline ranked #81 and Madeleine #454 among girls' names in the US, so Madeline was the more common choice, 373 places ahead of Madeleine. Madeline peaked at #50 in 1998, Madeleine at #217 in 1998.
Are Madeline and Madeleine pronounced the same?
Madeline is pronounced MAD-uh-lin and Madeleine mad-LEN. Madeline has 3 syllables and 8 letters; Madeleine has 2 syllables and 9.
Should I name my baby Madeline or Madeleine?
Both Madeline and Madeleine are beautiful choices. Consider the meaning, cultural significance, and how each sounds with your last name. HushName's free AI consultation can help you explore both options and find the perfect fit for your family.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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