It's officially for married women, like Mrs. in English, but it's often used for any exotic woman, married and French or not. ... Madame was originally used only to refer to or address women of high rank or royalty. In French, madame literally means "my lady."

Can unmarried woman be called madam?

In US English the meanings of "madam" and "ma'am" are reasonably interchangeable and may be used for a married or single woman. However, "madam" is considerably more formal and "stiff" (and can be taken as an insult if used inappropriately), and both are falling into disuse.

Who can be called madam?

Madam is a very formal way to address a woman, particularly an older or married woman. A waiter at a fancy restaurant might say, "Your table is ready, madam." If a stranger calls a woman madam, he probably sees her as a mature, dignified person.