Home › Baby Names Directory › Madelyn

Madelyn

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAD-uh-lin /ˈmædəlɪn/High

Meaning: Woman from Magdala; Magdala means 'high tower' in HebrewHigh

In 30 seconds: A modern spelling of Madeline, derived from Mary Magdalene and meaning 'woman from Magdala' (high tower). Madelyn has climbed into the U.S. top 100 girls' names.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighHebrew, Greek
MeaningWoman from Magdala; Magdala means 'high tower' in Hebrew
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 87,611

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200818902017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Madelyn is a modern phonetic spelling of Madeline, the French form of Magdalene, from the Hebrew place name Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, meaning 'high tower.' Mary Magdalene, named for her hometown, is one of the most significant figures in the New Testament, and her name spread across Europe with Christianity.

Madeline (and its variants) has been used in English since the medieval period. The modern spelling Madelyn emerged in the U.S. in the late 20th century as parents sought fresh takes on the classic. It entered the top 100 by the early 2000s and the top 75 by the 2010s, competing with Madeline, Madeleine, and Madeline for the top spot in this name family.

Did you know? All Madeline/Madelyn spellings trace back to Mary Magdalene, the most prominent female follower of Jesus in the Gospels, who was present at the crucifixion and resurrection — one of history's most enduring name origins.

Variations

MadelineMadeleineMadelineMagdalene

Nicknames

MaddieMaddyLynn

Famous Bearers

  • ★Madelyn Cline (1997–)
    American actress known for Outer Banks and Knives Out: Glass Onion.

If you like Madelyn…

Madeline— the classical spelling of the same name — elegant French form
Caroline— equally classic, three-syllable girls' name ending in -lyn/-line
Adalyn— modern -lyn ending girls' name in the same contemporary tier
Evelyn— vintage -lyn name with the same three-syllable flow and timeless feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Madelyn mean?

Madelyn is a form of Magdalene, meaning 'woman from Magdala' — the Hebrew town name meaning 'high tower.'

How do you pronounce Madelyn?

It's said MAD-uh-lin /ˈmædəlɪn/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Madelyn a boy or girl name?

Madelyn is used exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Madelyn?

Madelyn has ranked in the U.S. top 75–100 girls' names since the early 2000s.