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Girl · Hebrew · New Testament · Biblically inspired

Madeline

MAD-uh-lin · means Of Magdala, tower

Madeline is an English form referencing Mary Magdalene, whose surname comes from Migdal, meaning "tower," the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. It is not a first name found directly in Scripture, but it honors Mary Magdalene, the first person to see the risen Jesus.

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.
John 20:18 (NIV)

The story behind the name

Madeline has been used across the English-speaking world for centuries and remains a familiar, graceful classic, cherished for its soft sound and long history.

Mary Magdalene appears in the Gospels as a woman Jesus freed from seven demons (Luke 8:2), after which she became one of His most devoted followers, helping support His ministry and standing near the cross when almost everyone else had fled (John 19:25).

On the third day, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found it empty, and Jesus Himself appeared to her there, the very first person to see Him risen. She ran and told the disciples, "I have seen the Lord" (John 20:18). A daughter named Madeline carries a name of fierce devotion and the honor of being first to carry the best news in history.

A blessing to pray over Madeline

Lord, may this daughter love You as faithfully as Mary Magdalene did, staying close in hard seasons and carrying Your good news wherever she goes. Amen.

Popularity

A hidden gem, outside the US top 1000. A beautiful choice if you want a name few others will share.

Variants & nicknames

Madelyn, Madeleine, Magdalena, Maddie

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