Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Madalyn
GirlEnglish, French· “woman from Magdala”
- Meaning
- woman from Magdala
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- MA-duh-lihn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #946
- US babies 2025
- 273
- Best rank
- #292 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Madalyn
Madalyn is an English and French name that means “woman from Magdala”.
Madalyn is a modern spelling of Madeline, the English form of the French Madeleine, which comes from Magdalene, the title of Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. Magdalene means "woman from Magdala", a town on the Sea of Galilee whose name comes from a Hebrew and Aramaic word for "tower". Madeline has a long history in England and France, and Ludwig Bemelmans's picture books about Madeline gave it a charming modern image. The spelling Madalyn follows the popular -lyn ending. It sounds soft and friendly, with Maddie and Maddy as natural nicknames.
Popularity over time
Madalyn first appears in US Social Security records in 1899. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 48 different years, starting in 1904. Its best national rank was #292 in 2008, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,144 babies. In 2025, 273 babies were named Madalyn, and it ranked #946 nationally. That is 50% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,083 in 1920, #1,256 in 1950, #3,789 in 1980, #385 in 2000, #362 in 2010, and #946 in 2025. Of the 23,222 US girls named Madalyn since records began, 38% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 5,703 babies. Since 2010, 7,437 more have been named Madalyn.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kimora, Kiera, Maddison, Madilyn, and Daniella.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Madalyn ranked highest in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #220 | 8 |
| Kentucky | #397 | 11 |
| Indiana | #463 | 15 |
| Alabama | #684 | 7 |
| Virginia | #690 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Madalyn is usually pronounced MA-duh-lihn, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-yn”.
Middle names for Madalyn
A few middle names that flow with Madalyn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Madalyn
Similar names
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Lists that include Madalyn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Madalyn mean?
Madalyn is an English and French name that means “woman from Magdala”.
What is the origin of the name Madalyn?
Madalyn has English, French, and Hebrew roots. Madalyn is a modern spelling of Madeline, the English form of the French Madeleine, which comes from Magdalene, the title of Mary Magdalene in the New Testament.
Is Madalyn a popular name?
Yes. Madalyn ranked #946 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Madalyn a boy or girl name?
Madalyn is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Madalyn?
Madalyn is usually pronounced MA-duh-lihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings