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Christian Name Meaning & Origin Guide

Madeleine

Majestic tower, high hill

Pronunciation: Mad-uh-lin (/ˌmædəˈliːn/)

Girl Name Biblical origin Popularity 75
Meaning
Majestic tower, high hill
Origin
Biblical
Lucky Number
1
Lucky Day
Thursday
Lucky Stone
Rose Quartz
Life Path
1
Popularity Score
75
Language
English, French, Hebrew, Greek, Latin
Lucky Colors: #795548#E74C3C

What does Madeleine mean?

The name Madeleine is derived from the French word 'magdala' which means 'tower', 'fortress', or 'high place'. In the Bible, Magdala is the town on the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Mary Magdalene was from. Mary was a faithful follower of Jesus and was present at his crucifixion, burial, and the empty tomb. She was the first person to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection and was given the mission to tell the other disciples that he had risen.

Madeleine in other languages & scripts

Hebrew
מאדלין
מגדל אלוהים, מגדל האל
Greek
Μαδελίνη
Μαγδαληνή, από το Μάγδαλα
Latin
Magdalena
tower or great fortress of God
English
Madeleine
tower of God, great fortress

How to pronounce Madeleine

English pronunciation
Mad-uh-lin
Biblical pronunciation
Μαγδαληνή (Magdalēnē)
IPA notation
/ˌmædəˈliːn/

Numerology & personality

Signifies new beginnings, motivation, and determination.

Associated Traits
KindFaithfulCourageousWiseL = LoyalF = FaithfulS = StrongC = Compassionate

Spiritual & cultural context

Symbolizes faith and devotion.

The name Madeleine has been popular in Western cultures, particularly in France, for over a millennium. It carries the historical legacy of Marie-Madeleine, one of the most revered figures in the Christian tradition. Her mystique and enduring influence on art, literature, and religious iconography have made the name synonymous with faith, loyalty, and tragic beauty. The French capital, Paris, proudly claims Madeleine as the patroness Saint of its women, and numerous cathedrals, churches, and religious institutions bear her name.

Scriptural & traditional roots

Biblical scripture: New Testament (Luke 8:2, Matthew 27:55-56)

Saint connection: Mary Magdalene

Popularity of Madeleine by region

Region Country Score Year
United States US 95 2024
France FR 57 2024

Spelling variations of Madeleine

Madeleina

Names similar to Madeleine

Frequently asked questions about Madeleine

What does Madeleine mean?
Madeleine is a name of French origin, derived from the word 'magdala', which means 'tower' or 'high place'.
Is Madeleine a Christianity name?
Yes, Madeleine is a name deeply rooted in Christianity. It is most notably associated with Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus in the Bible.
How to pronounce Madeleine?
mah-duh-leyn
Is Madeleine popular today?
Yes, Madeleine is a popular name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was the 188th most popular girl's name in the US in 2020.
What is the origin of Madeleine?
Madeleine is a name of French origin, derived from the word 'magdala', which means 'tower' or 'high place'.