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Madeleine

Madeleine is a feminine given name, most commonly used in French and also found in English and other languages.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Madeleine is a feminine given name of biblical origin, derived from the Hebrew name Magdalena, which is associated with Mary Magdalene from the New Testament. It is the French form of Magdalena and is also used in English and other languages. In Canada, Madeleine is a common name in both French and English contexts, reflecting the country's bilingual naming traditions.

Origin and meaning

Madeleine comes through Greek and Latin forms of Magdalena, ultimately linked to Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee. The name became associated with Mary Magdalene and later developed as a personal name in Christian-influenced naming traditions. The meaning is commonly understood as 'from Magdala' or 'from the city of Magdala.'

Usage

Madeleine is especially common as a French given name, but it also appears in English and other languages. Variant spellings include Madeline and Madelaine. In Canada, the name is used in both French and English naming traditions.

Notable bearers

People with the name Madeleine include Swedish Princess Madeleine and French historical figures such as Madeleine of Valois. The name is also used by contemporary public figures, including singer-songwriter Madeline The Person, whose stage name is a variant form.

Cultural references

Madeleine is also associated with religious tradition through Mary Magdalene, who is linked to the name's origin. The name appears in literature, film, and popular culture as both a character name and a given name.

Key facts

  • Madeleine is a feminine given name with biblical origins, derived from the town of Magdala.
  • It is the French form of Magdalena and has variant spellings such as Madeline.
  • The name is associated with Mary Magdalene from the New Testament.
  • Notable bearers include royalty, historical figures, and contemporary public figures.
  • In Canada, Madeleine is used in both French and English contexts, reflecting bilingual naming traditions.
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Canadian context

Madeleine is used in Canada as a French and English feminine given name, reflecting the country’s bilingual naming traditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the origin of the name Madeleine?
It comes from Magdalena, ultimately derived from Magdala, a town associated with Mary Magdalene.
Is Madeleine a male or female name?
Madeleine is a feminine given name.
Is Madeline the same name as Madeleine?
Yes. Madeline is a common variant spelling of Madeleine.
What does Madeleine mean?
It is commonly understood to mean “from Magdala” or “from the city of Magdala.”
Is Madeleine used in English?
Yes. Although strongly associated with French, it is also used in English-speaking contexts.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_(given_name)
    Supports: Origin, meaning, gender, and variant spelling of Madeleine as a given name.
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_(prénom)
    Supports: French usage of Madeleine as a feminine given name and its origin from Mary Magdalene.
  3. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_(Vorname)
    Supports: Madeleine as the French form of Magdalena and usage in English-speaking contexts.
  4. Wikipedia — https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prinsessan_Madeleine
    Supports: Example of a notable bearer: Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeline_the_Person
    Supports: Contemporary public figure using a variant of the name.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_of_Valois_(1443%E2%80%931495)
    Supports: Historical bearer of the name Madeleine.