Madeleine is a feminine given name of French origin. It comes from the French word "madéline," which means "from Magdala." Magdala was a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Palestine, and it is believed to be the hometown of Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in Christianity.
The name Madeleine has been popular throughout history, particularly among French royalty. It was borne by several queens of France, includingMadeleine de France (1849-1862), daughter of King Louis Philippe I, and Madeleine de Bourbon (1720-1731), the first wife of King Louis XV.
In literature, Madeleine has been used as a character name in works such as "The Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux, where the main female character is named Christine Daaé but is often referred to as "Mads" or "Madeleine." The name has also appeared in numerous other books, films, and television shows.
Overall, Madeleine is a classic French given name with a rich history. Its meaning, "from Magdala," gives it a connection to ancient times and religious significance. Throughout the centuries, many notable figures have borne this name, contributing to its enduring popularity.
The name Madaleine has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past century. The earliest recorded birth was in 1915 with 5 occurrences. It then fluctuated between 7 and 8 births annually from 1923 to 1994.
In the late 1990s, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, reaching a peak of 17 births in 1997. This high number was sustained for several years, with over 10 births per year until 2003.
However, after 2003, the popularity of the name Madaleine began to decline steadily. It fell below 10 births per year, reaching as low as 5 in 2013 and 2017. Despite this decrease, there were still consistent numbers of births each year, indicating that while it may not be a highly popular choice, the name Madaleine continues to be used.
Overall, according to the available data, a total of 206 babies named Madaleine have been born in the United States from 1915 to 2017. This demonstrates that although the popularity of this name has ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a recognizable and chosen option for parents in the U.S.