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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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People File • Given Name

Madeleine

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

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Madeleine is a feminine given name with biblical origins, most commonly used in French and also found in English and other languages. It is a variant of Madeline and is derived from Magdalena, a name associated with Mary Magdalene in the New Testament.

What it is

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.

Why it matters

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 reflects the country’s bilingual naming traditions, used in both French and English contexts.

Key details

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

In short

  • Madeleine is a feminine given name with biblical origins, derived from Magdala.
  • It is the French form of Magdalena and is also used in English-speaking contexts.
  • Madeline is a common variant spelling.
  • The name has been borne by many notable people, including royalty and public figures.
Canadian angle

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

Quick questions

What is the origin of the name Madeleine?
It comes from Magdalena, ultimately derived from Magdala, a town associated with Mary Magdalene.
Is Madeline the same name as Madeleine?
Yes. Madeline is a common variant spelling of Madeleine.
Is Madeleine used in English?
Yes. Although strongly associated with French, it is also used in English-speaking contexts.

Sources

  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.