Declining since 1997, #5,238 for girls today.
Popularity of Madelaine since 1901
Babies named Madelaine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 21 |
| 1910s | 88 |
| 1920s | 163 |
| 1930s | 56 |
| 1940s | 304 |
| 1950s | 179 |
| 1960s | 84 |
| 1970s | 109 |
| 1980s | 213 |
| 1990s | 940 |
| 2000s | 735 |
| 2010s | 335 |
| 2020s | 171 |
Meaning & origin
Madelaine is a French-flavored spelling of the classic name Madeleine, which has been used in English-speaking countries since at least the early 20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1901, but it remained quite rare until the 1990s. It reached its peak popularity in 1998, likely influenced by the broader trend of French-inspired names and the success of similar-sounding names like Madeline and Madelyn. Since 1997, the name's usage has been steadily falling, and as of 2025 it ranks #5238, with only about 1 in every 66,969 baby girls given this specific spelling. Madelaine's top state is California, consistent with the popularity of European-style names on the West Coast. The name's etymology traces back to the Hebrew place name Magdala, made famous by Mary Magdalene in the New Testament.
Madelaine is a French-influenced spelling of Madeleine, itself the French form of Magdalene, from the Greek Μαγδαληνή (Magdalēnē), meaning 'woman from Magdala.' Magdala was a town in ancient Israel. The name spread through Christianity due to Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus. In English-speaking countries, Madelaine emerged as a variant spelling in the 20th century, particularly popular in the 1990s.
Where Madelaine is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maddy, Maddie, Lainey
Sibling names for Madelaine
Names that share Madelaine's style, for a brother or sister.
