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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Madeleine

35 replies

Teakind · 13/01/2021 12:35

Can I ask what you think of the name Madeleine? I really like it but of course it makes me think of Madeleine McCann.

Is the connection too strong to use it now do you think?

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Liana2021 · 18/01/2021 00:37

I wanted this name but the association to this tragic event just put me off it.
As another poster said, Madeline is ok as just a bit different.
Or just give it 10 years but now seems too soon, especially when it’s still in the news

Sheleg · 15/01/2021 11:16

The "Mad" part puts me off more than the McCann connection. Not a pretty sound, or meaning.

Flippyferloppy · 15/01/2021 10:46

Adelaide sounds similar. Would you be more confortable with that?

daisypond · 15/01/2021 10:44

I love it. It was a strong contender for one of my DDs - over 20 years ago now.

Spied · 15/01/2021 10:40

Beautiful name but unfortunately my first thought is McCann.

Squeakypotato · 15/01/2021 10:36

I think of McCann straightaway tbh.

Also don't like Maddy as a nickname. Just makes me think of someone mad, having a paddy. The full version is nice though except for the McCann thing.

Enko · 15/01/2021 10:34

My first association but if I am introduced to a Madeleine I get past it quick

Sway19 · 14/01/2021 11:09

You hear Madeline, you think McCann I’m afraid

SmeleanorSmellstrop · 14/01/2021 11:08

Definitely my first association too Sad

RaininSummer · 14/01/2021 09:52

It's a lovely name. I don't think people will leap to the connection with poor Madeleine McCann and definitely not by the time your daughter is grown up.

sleepingfox · 14/01/2021 09:38

It’s a beautiful name, fine as long as your surname isn’t similar to McCann. I know a 22 year old Madeleine and associated the name with her first, the people in your life will do the same with your DD. As a previous poster said, any name can end up in the news. I’d use it if you like it.

ParisJeTAime · 14/01/2021 09:33

I don't particularly like the name, but that has nothing to do with Madeleine McCann. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

scentedgeranium · 14/01/2021 07:00

I know a Madelene. She's 23 now and is awesome.No one calls her Maddie! Sometimes Mads, but usually Madelene. She was my DD's earliest friend, and geography has driven them apart.

mathanxiety · 14/01/2021 06:54

I used it as the middle name of one of my DDs. She was born before the disappearance.

You have no guarantee no matter what name you choose that it's not going to be the next name all over the news.

Fwiw, I would use it again regardless of the McCann case.

garlictwist · 14/01/2021 04:42

Lovely name. I think it's got enough history and popularity by not be associated with the McCanns.

PainterInPeril · 14/01/2021 04:23

I love this name and would definitely use it! And it doesn't matter if people connect it with Madeleine McCann anyway. She was an innocent little girl who went missing, not a serial killer! Go for it!

IdblowJonSnow · 14/01/2021 01:29

I agree it's a beautiful name but that association is very strong for me personally.

Middle name?

olderthanyouthink · 14/01/2021 01:16

I think of the little girl who live in Paris in a house covered in vines...

Marcipex · 14/01/2021 01:09

The most beautiful name imo.
I think it’s time it was reclaimed actually. I’d use it, as long as you’re not called McGann or anything similar.

whattodo2019 · 14/01/2021 00:22

We have a lot of Madeleines at DD school but they are all Maddies

Terracottasaur · 14/01/2021 00:05

I think it’s been long enough now that the association isn’t too strong. It’s a very pretty name.

RubyFakeLips · 14/01/2021 00:03

I wouldn’t have made the connection without prompting. Possibly as I have always known Madeleines but also it’s an old story that’s gone now. I don’t think it’s a topic prevalent in day to day life.

I can’t see any issue, not as if child would be bullied for such a thing. Silly to let something like that put you off a name you love.

Original poster
Teakind · 13/01/2021 23:56

Thanks for all the replies. I thought they’d be more ‘no’s’ so maybe I am overthinking it.

I think it’s such a beautiful name.

OP posts:
Flowersinthefireplace · 13/01/2021 23:13

Madeline is just the American spelling, which is wrong!

Flowersinthefireplace · 13/01/2021 23:12

It’s a beautiful beautiful name which I wanted to call my eldest, but I felt the McCann association is just still too prevalent. Give it ten years

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