Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Madeleine

Madeleine is the French spelling of Madeline (English) which originated from the Latin Magdalene, a title meaning ‘of Magdala’ (referring to Mary Magdalene from the Bible). Mary Magdalene is one of the more enduring characters from the New Testament, and so called Magdalene because she was from Magdala, a village on the sea of Galilee (Magdala comes from a Hebrew word meaning ‘tower’). In Luke 8:2 she was one of the women who had been “healed of evil spirits and infirmities”. Post-resurrection, Mary Magdalene was the first person to whom Jesus appeared. That Jesus would first appear to a woman is a notable event indeed! It underscores the importance of women to his ministry. Mary Magdalene became a popular saint in medieval times and so her name became quite common by the 1600s. Magdalene became Madeleine in French who helped popularize the name in England (where it’s traditionally spelled Madeline). Today, the French spelling of Madeleine is most popular in Canada (ranked #67 in British Columbia, 2010).

All About the Baby Name – Madeleine

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME MADELEINE

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME MADELEINE

The traditional French spelling of Madeleine has not been the most popular (Madeline and Madelyn are in neck and neck competition for the most preferred spelling in the United States). Madeleine is the third most popular spelling of this old Latin favorite (coming from Magdalene). This French spelling has been around on the American charts since at least the 19th century, but always maintained mild popularity. In the 1960s and 1970s, Madeleine disappeared completely off the charts. No one seemed interested in the French version. But then this French beauty came out of hibernation by the 1980s and has once again ascended the charts. Madeline and all of her versions and spelling mutations together are given to about 10,000 baby girls a year (making it on the whole an extremely popular name). The spelling Madeleine gets about a 10% share of voice overall. We like the French spelling. It gives the name a slight edge in the sophistication department. Madeline is a cute name (thanks to the charming girl of the children’s book series). And the French spelling of Madeleine just makes her seem a little more grown-up.

Quick Facts

ON MADELEINE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

French

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

278

PRONUNCIATION:

ma-də-LEN (French)

SIMPLE MEANING:

Mary Magdalene, Tower

Characteristics

OF MADELEINE

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Madeleine

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MADELEINE

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MADELEINE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Madeleine


Popular Songs

ON MADELEINE

Madeleine
a song by The Zydepunks

Famous People

NAMED MADELEINE

Madeleine Albright (U.S. Secretary of State)
Madeleine L'Engle (author)
Princess Madeleine (princess of Sweden)
Madeleine de Scudéry (French writer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MADELEINE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Madeleine

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MADELEINE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Madeleine