Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Madeline is a name of French origin derived from the Hebrew Magdalene, meaning 'of Magdala' or 'high tower.' It evolved through various languages including Latin and Middle English. The name is popular today and is seen as elegant and timeless, although it has no direct biblical relevance. The name's popularity surged in the 19th century, influenced by literature and notable figures.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmæd.ə.lɪn/
Origin
French
Etymology
Madeline is derived from the Hebrew name Magdalene, meaning 'of Magdala.' The name Magdala refers to a region in ancient Israel.
Meaning
high tower
Language Evolution
Magdalena (Latin), Madgalene (Middle English), Madeleine (French)
Historical Usage
Madeline gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly due to the influence of literature and art, including the works of authors such as Henry James.
Variants & Derivatives
Madeleine, Maddie, Maddy
Modern Popularity & Image
Madeline is viewed as a classic yet modern name, often associated with sophistication and charm. It remains a popular choice for girls in various cultures.
Famous People
Madeline Albright, Madeline Kahn, Madeline Brewer
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,869 peak births in 1998
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Vermont
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (17 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 17 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5669th of 7545 | 20 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4278th of 6773 | 45 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6024th of 7552 | 16 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8179th of 16616 | 55 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9244th of 24088 | 99 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 142nd of 9107 | 29,857 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 203rd of 9204 | 16,814 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 343rd of 12526 | 12,770 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 571st of 19264 | 4,984 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 184th of 27321 | 26,476 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 58th of 35406 | 74,228 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 93rd of 30306 | 36,061 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
52.45% 2724th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
55.87% 4086th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
11.30% 160th/1416 |
5.58% 77th/1379 |
8.79% 208th/2366 |
15.24% 174th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
15.52% 240th/1546 |
7.33% 114th/1556 |
13.13% 309th/2353 |
16.22% 251st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
20.57% 458th/2227 |
8.19% 199th/2430 |
16.05% 458th/2853 |
15.46% 429th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
29.04% 853rd/2937 |
8.04% 280th/3483 |
25.24% 888th/3518 |
22.16% 896th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.96% 146th/3685 |
3.64% 163rd/4475 |
4.02% 209th/5194 |
3.06% 193rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
0.89% 41st/4582 |
1.18% 61st/5164 |
1.05% 77th/7313 |
1.00% 75th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
2.36% 94th/3984 |
1.60% 72nd/4487 |
1.48% 101st/6822 |
1.50% 94th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Vermont across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5669th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4278th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6024th out of 7552 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8179th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9244th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 20190th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 142nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 203rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 343rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 571st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 184th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 58th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 93rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.