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I'm Belgian (French speaking) married to an American so we do have pronouciation problems. To me Madeleine, Madeline and Madelyn are three different names (pronounciation side). In French we pronounce Madeline and Madelyn the same (Mad-e-LEEN). But in the U.S.,I think this is like Caroline which is pronounced Car-o-line and Carolyn, Car-o-lyn. At least when I showed it to dh he pronounced Madeline as you do.

This message was edited 3/22/2006, 5:11 AM

I know the original pronunciation of Madeleine (mad-LEHN). Madeline, on the other hand, I'm not as sure about. I would assume in French it would be mad-LEEN. I will tell you this. The wife of Ludwig Bemelmans (author of Madeline) was named Madeleine, however, he chose the Madeline spelling for his books. I've wondered if he used that spelling because it lended itself so easily to the many rhymes contained in the book (vines, lines, nine, shine). The books and movie have become so well known that I wonder if people would automatically assume it's pronounced mad-a-LINE so if that's the pronunciation you prefer, then you shouldn't have a problem. Still, I've known Madelines who've pronounced it mad-a-LYN.

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I prefer the Madeleine spelling because it's the original. It's the one I'd use, however, I can easily see that spelling and pronunciation becoming just as confusing. ;-) It's a pretty name no matter how it's spelled and pronounced.

I pronounce Madeline as Mad-a-lyn. I also pronounce Madeleine, which was my mother's name, the same way.

Unfourtunatly, if her name is the Mad-e-line pronunciation she will have her name mispronounced; however, it would also be mispronounced if it was Mad-e-lyn so either way it's hard to avoid because both are correct. I have first hand experiance with mispronunciations as many people want to say my name Caro-lyn rather than Caro-line. I would sugest going with the one you like the best, and I agree with you that Mad-e-line is a bit prettier than Mad-e-lyn.

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"And I believe, that angels breathe, and hat love will live on and never leave" -Josh Groban

I think both are correct

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but with the spelling Madeline, I believe most people will in fact say MAD-uh-line (long i), just like you want them to.

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Good luck, keep us posted. :)