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Madelynn

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAD-uh-lin /ˈmædəlɪn/High

Meaning: Modern spelling variant of Madeline/Madeleine, from the place-name Magdala (a town on the Sea of Galilee), from Hebrew/Aramaic migdal meaning 'tower' or 'high place'; the biblical epithet of Mary Magdalene gave rise to the given nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Madelynn is a modern respelling of the classic Madeline, meaning 'woman from Magdala' (tower). The -ynn ending adds a fresh, feminine touch to one of the most beloved names in Western tradition.
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Origin HighHebrew, English, Aramaic
MeaningModern spelling variant of Madeline/Madeleine, from the place-name Magdala (a town on the Sea of Galilee), from Hebrew/Aramaic migdal meaning 'tower' or 'high place'; the biblical epithet of Mary Magdalene gave rise to the given name
U.S. rank (2025)#524 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births573 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 18,931

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200919202025

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

History & Origin

Madelynn is a spelling variant of Madeline, which derives from the place-name Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. The Hebrew/Aramaic root migdal means 'tower.' Mary of Magdala — Mary Magdalene — was a central figure in the Gospels, and her name became one of the most beloved in French and English tradition through medieval devotion to her.

Madeline has been popular in the English-speaking world since the medieval period, periodically revived by literature (the children's book series by Ludwig Bemelmans). The Madelynn spelling — with -ynn replacing -ine — is an American innovation reflecting the broad popularity of -ynn endings in girls' names.

Did you know? Mary Magdalene, the most prominent female disciple of Jesus, was the first person to whom the risen Jesus appeared according to all four Gospels — making her name foundational to both Christian theology and the Western naming tradition.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Madeline — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MadelineMadeleineMadelyneMadelyn

Nicknames

MaddieLynnLinny

Famous Bearers

  • ★Mary Magdalene (biblical figure) (biblical)
    Biblical figure, prominent female disciple of Jesus; first witness to the Resurrection.

If you like Madelynn…

Madeline— the classic French spelling of the same name
Madelyn— the most common -yn spelling of the same name
Adeline— shares the -eline/-elyn suffix and the same vintage French character
Emmeline— literary vintage name with the same melodic three-syllable form

Frequently Asked

What does the name Madelynn mean?

Madelynn is a variant of Madeline, from the place-name Magdala meaning 'tower' in Hebrew/Aramaic — the hometown of Mary Magdalene.

How do you pronounce Madelynn?

It is said MAD-uh-lin — three syllables, stress on the first, identical to Madeline.

Is Madelynn a boy or girl name?

Madelynn is used exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Madelynn?

Madelynn charts consistently in the U.S. as an alternate spelling of Madeline/Madelyn, popular in the top 400–600 girls' names.