Girl · 290th of 35,406
Madeleine
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
45,054
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1998
Peak Popularity Year
1,424
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Madeleine stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Madeleine has its origins in Hebrew, meaning 'tower', and is closely linked to the biblical figure Mary Magdalene. Over time, it evolved through different languages, notably French, and is associated with elegance and sophistication in modern contexts. Its biblical relevance adds to its depth and historical significance, while its variants like Madeline and Maddie continue to be popular today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˌmæd.əˈleɪn/
Origin
French
Etymology
The name Madeleine is derived from the Hebrew name Magdala, which means 'tower' and refers to Mary Magdalene in the New Testament.
Meaning
tower
Language Evolution
Magdala, Madeleine, Madeline
Biblical Background
The name is associated with Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in the New Testament.
Historical Usage
Madeleine gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in France, and has since spread to various cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Madeline, Maddie, Maddalena
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Madeleine is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often evoking a sense of sophistication.
Famous People
Madeleine Albright, Madeleine L'Engle, Madeleine Peyroux
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,424 peak births in 1998
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 14347th of 16616 | 10 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 482nd of 9107 | 3,598 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 554th of 9204 | 2,875 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 841st of 12526 | 2,693 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1892nd of 19264 | 753 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 560th of 27321 | 6,291 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 290th of 35406 | 17,555 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 355th of 30306 | 10,679 |