Maudie is a unique and charming given name of English origin. It is derived from the old French name "Maude," which itself comes from the Germanic name "Mahthildis." The name has been associated with several historical figures, including Queen Maud of Norway, who was also known as Queen Maud of the United Kingdom.
The meaning of Maudie is believed to be related to its Germanic roots, and it can be translated to mean "mighty battle" or "strength in battle." This derivation comes from the elements "maht," which means strength, and "-hild," which means battle. Despite its potentially fierce connotation, Maudie has a soft and sweet sound that makes it appealing as a given name.
The name Maudie was popular during the Middle Ages in England, with several noble families using it for their daughters. However, it fell out of fashion by the 19th century and was rarely used until its recent revival in popularity. Today, Maudie is considered a vintage name that evokes a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.
Some notable figures who have borne the name Maudie include Maud Gonne MacBride, an Irish nationalist and suffragette, and Maud Lewis, a Canadian folk artist known for her bright and whimsical paintings. These individuals are remembered not only for their names but also for their significant contributions to history and art.
In literature, Maudie has been used as a character name in several works, including Charlotte Brontë's novel "Villette" and Dodie Smith's classic children's book "The Hundred and One Dalmatians." These appearances have helped to further cement the name's place in popular culture.
Overall, Maudie is an attractive and distinctive given name with a rich history and meaningful origins. Its unique sound and powerful meaning make it a compelling choice for parents looking for a memorable and meaningful name for their daughter.
Based on the statistical data provided, the name Maudie has seen a fluctuating trend in its popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
The earliest record of the name Maudie being given to newborns in the U.S. is from the year 1880, with only 9 births that year. The following year saw an increase in popularity, with 24 babies named Maudie. This trend continued over the next few years, with the number of births peaked at 354 in 1918.
However, after reaching this peak, the name Maudie began to lose its popularity. By 1925, there were only 234 births recorded for the name Maudie. This downward trend continued throughout the mid-20th century, with the lowest point reached in 1970, when only 9 babies were named Maudie.
The latter half of the 20th century saw a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Maudie, with the number of births hovering around the double digits. However, this trend was short-lived and the name Maudie has remained relatively uncommon in recent years, with only 9-12 births recorded annually since 2011.
In total, over the past century and a half, there have been 11,832 babies named Maudie born in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity, the name Maudie has maintained a steady presence throughout American history.