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Alternatives to Madeline

Iloveart18
By Iloveart18
Updated Thu May 25 2023
The old-fashioned name entered the top 100 in 1994 and has remained popular for over 20 years. If you think it's too common, here are some alternatives.
  1. Aveline

    • Origin:

      French from German

    • Meaning:

      "desired; or island, water"

    • Description:

      Aveline is a name that's long been an obscure cousin of more widely-used choices, but may come into its own riding the tail of the megapopular Ava, which may derive from the same root.
  2. Clementine

    • Origin:

      French feminine version of Clement, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
  3. Emmeline

    • Origin:

      Old French form of archaic German Amal

    • Meaning:

      "work"

    • Description:

      Emmeline is an Emma relative and Emily cousin that is destined for greater use in the wake of the megapopularity of those two names. A recommended Nameberry fave, Emmeline hopped onto the US Top 1000 in 2014 for the first time ever. While it is genuinely an old name, it was rarely used a century ago; only 17 baby girls were named Emmeline in 1915, the same number as were named Ernie!
  4. Fideline

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "loyal"

    • Description:

      A kind of French virtue name, an affectionate form of Fidele.
  5. Madeleif
    • Madeleine

      • Origin:

        French variation of Magdalen

      • Meaning:

        "woman from Magdala or high tower"

      • Description:

        Sophisticated and sweet, delicate but substantial, Madeleine is the classic French variation of Magdalene.
    • Madrigal

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "song for unaccompanied voices"

      • Description:

        Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison . Definitely more striking than Cadence or even the increasingly popular Aria.
    • Magdalene

      • Origin:

        Spelling variation of Magdalen

      • Meaning:

        "woman from Magdala or high tower"

      • Description:

        This name made famous in the New Testament has gone from crusty grandma to sleek and chic in recent years, or is it months? The name's image is perhaps helped by the fact that Mary Magdalene was one of the most intriguing women inthe Bible, both a saint and a sinner.
    • Maline

      • Description:

        Maline is a delicate feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Marlene or Madeline, or derive from Nordic languages where 'mal' relates to speech or agreement. In French contexts, it could connect to the word 'malin' meaning clever or cunning (though the feminine form is 'maligne'). The name has a gentle, melodic quality that contributes to its subtle charm. Maline remains relatively uncommon in most countries, giving it a distinctive quality without feeling invented or difficult to pronounce. Its soft sounds and flowing quality make it appealing to parents seeking something elegant yet understated. The name's cross-cultural possibilities allow it to work well in various linguistic traditions.

    • Marceline

      • Origin:

        Feminization of Marcel, French

      • Meaning:

        "little warrior"

      • Description:

        Balancing femininity, vintage charm, and fantasy nerdiness, Marceline is one to watch. Marceline the Vampire Queen from the 2010-2018 animated TV series Adventure Time brought her elaborate French name back into public consciousness. It re-entered the Top 1000 in 2020, after an 86 year hiatus, and rose into the 700s in 2021. Nicknames Marcie and Marcy are rising in popularity as well. Marceline may appeal to parents who like frilly, traditional, and sophisticated names such as Josephine and Genevieve.
    • Maybeline

      • Description:

        Maybeline is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Mabel or Maybelle, with the addition of the popular "-ine" suffix. The original name Mabel derives from the Latin "amabilis," meaning "lovable." Maybeline carries a vintage, Southern charm reminiscent of the early 20th century Americana. While not historically common as a given name, Maybeline might be familiar to many through the cosmetics brand Maybelline, which was named after its founder's sister, Mabel Williams. The name has a melodic, multi-syllabic quality that fits with the revival of vintage names with a feminine flair. Parents might choose Maybeline for its sweet sound, nostalgic feel, and the cute nickname potential of "May" or "Belle."
    • Ottoline

      • Origin:

        French and English, diminutive of Ottolie

      • Meaning:

        "prospers in battle"

      • Description:

        Curiously appealing, in a hoop-skirted, wasp-waisted way, Ottoline has recently entered the realm of modern possibility, especially since Sienna Miller chose it as the middle name of her daughter Marlowe.
    • Pomeline

      • Origin:

        French, related to "apple"

      • Meaning:

        "apple"

      • Description:

        A rarely heard--even in France--name, most prominent as the third name of Charlotte Marie Pomeline Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco and granddaughter of Grace Kelly.