Madelaine is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the French name Madeleine, which is ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Magdalen, meaning "from Magdala." Magdala was a Galilean fishing town where Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus Christ's most prominent followers, was believed to have lived.
The name Madelaine first gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages. It became particularly common among French nobility and royalty, with several queens and princesses throughout history bearing this name. For instance, Madeleine de France (1540-1574) was a French princess who became Queen of Scotland, and Madeleine de Bourbon-Montpensier (1640-1712) was a French aristocrat who played an important role in the French court.
The name Madelaine has also been used by notable figures throughout history. One example is Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007), an American writer known for her novel "A Wrinkle in Time." Additionally, several French queens and saints have borne this name, contributing to its enduring popularity.
In terms of usage, Madelaine has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for girls born in France since the late 19th century. It remains popular today, particularly in francophone countries such as France, Belgium, and Quebec. While it is less commonly used in English-speaking countries, it still appears on occasion due to its attractive sound and French heritage.
Overall, Madelaine is a classic French name with a rich history and a timeless elegance that continues to appeal to parents today. Its connection to prominent historical figures and its enduring popularity make it an appealing choice for those seeking a name with a strong cultural heritage and enduring charm.
The name Madelaine has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. Between 1901 and 1950, there were only sporadic years with notable numbers of births: 9 in 1901, 7 in 1906, and then no significant occurrences until the late 1920s when it started to gain some traction, peaking at 21 births in both 1954 and 1955.
However, from the 1960s onwards, Madelaine began to see a more consistent increase in popularity. Between 1986 and 1993, there was a notable spike in births, with numbers ranging from 25 to 109 annually. The peak year during this period was 1993, with 109 births.
The turn of the millennium saw a slight dip in popularity for Madelaine, with numbers fluctuating between 41 and 98 births per year between 1999 and 2005. However, since then, there has been another steady increase in its popularity. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of annual births named Madelaine ranged from 21 to 34.
In total, over the past century, there have been 3346 births of girls named Madelaine in the United States. This shows that while it may not have always been a highly popular name, Madelaine has maintained a consistent presence in American naming culture.