Madeleine is a feminine given name of French origin. It comes from the name Magdalen, which is derived from the Latin word "Magdalena," meaning "from Magdala." Magdala was a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Israel.
The name Madeleine first appeared in France during the Middle Ages and was popularized by several saints named Madeleine. The most notable among them was Mary Magdalene, who was a follower of Jesus Christ and is considered a saint by several Christian denominations. As a result, the name Madeleine became associated with holiness and virtue throughout Europe.
Over time, the name Madeleine has been used in various forms across different languages and cultures. Some popular variants include Magdalena, Magda, Maddalena, and Madeline. Despite these variations, the core meaning of the name remains consistent: it is derived from a place name and carries connotations of spirituality and goodness.
Today, Madeleine continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters. Its timeless appeal can be attributed to its rich history and enduring associations with grace and elegance. Whether as a first or middle name, Madeleine remains an attractive option for those seeking a name that combines tradition with uniqueness.
The name Madeleine has been given to babies born in the United States every year since at least 1881. The number of babies named Madeleine has varied greatly over time, with some years seeing only a few births and other years seeing hundreds.
In the late 19th century, the number of babies named Madeleine was quite low, with fewer than 25 births per year from 1881 to 1894. However, in the early 20th century, the popularity of the name began to increase significantly. Between 1906 and 1920, the number of babies named Madeleine more than quadrupled, from 57 births in 1906 to 225 births in 1920.
The peak of popularity for the name Madeleine occurred in the mid-20th century. Between 1942 and 1953, there were more than 100 births per year on average, with a peak of 285 births in 1942. After this period, the popularity of the name began to decline once again.
In recent years, the number of babies named Madeleine has remained relatively stable, with between 600 and 1,300 births per year since 2007. As of 2023, there have been a total of 44,330 babies named Madeleine born in the United States since at least 1881.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Madeleine has fluctuated over time, it has remained a fairly popular choice among parents in the United States for over a century.