Origin and Meaning of Madeline

Meaning & Origin

High tower / Woman from Magdala

Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name Magdalene, which means 'of Magdala,' a village on the Sea of Galilee, or from the Latin 'Madalena.'

Interesting Facts

  • Madeline is a classic name that has been popular in various forms for centuries, particularly in French and English-speaking cultures.
  • The name has different variants across cultures, including Madeleine (French), Magdalena (Spanish and German), and Maddalena (Italian).
  • Notable bearers of the name include Madeline Albright, the first female Secretary of State in the United States, and the fictional character Madeline from the children's book series by Ludwig Bemelmans.
  • Madeline saw a significant rise in popularity in the United States in the late 20th century, becoming a favorite choice for girls in the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Related names and variations include Maddie, Maddy, and its diminutive form, Lene.