Madeline is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the French name "Madeleine," which means "from Magdala." The name is believed to have been popularized by the Catholic tradition of the Madeleine, a cake baked in honor of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus Christ's disciples.
In medieval France, the name Madeline was often used interchangeably with its more formal counterpart, Magdalena. However, over time, Madeline emerged as an independent name, distinct from its Spanish and German counterparts.
The name Madeline has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, a French Catholic nun who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1800. Another prominent figure is the American author Louisa May Alcott, whose character "Jo March" in her novel "Little Women" was inspired by Madeline herself.
In terms of its popularity, Madeline has been a widely used name throughout history, particularly in France and other French-speaking countries. It has also gained traction in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Today, it remains a popular choice among parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their daughters.
Overall, Madeline is a classic feminine given name with deep roots in French history and culture. Its meaning and origins make it a meaningful and elegant choice for those seeking a timeless name with a touch of European charm.
The name Madeline has been popular among parents in the United States over the past century, with a total of 245 babies being named Madeline since 1921. The popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, with peaks and valleys throughout the decades.
In the early 20th century, there were fewer than 10 births per year with the name Madeline. However, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the name gained popularity, with a high of 16 births in 1989. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with peaks of 14 births in 2003 and 17 births in 2004.
After the mid-2000s, the popularity of the name Madeline declined once again. However, it remained relatively stable, with an average of around 5 to 9 births per year from 2005 to 2018. It is clear that while Madeline may not be one of the most popular names in any given year, it has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States over time.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate how the popularity of names can change and evolve over time, influenced by cultural trends and personal preferences. Despite fluctuations in its popularity, Madeline remains a name that parents have chosen for their daughters across multiple generations in the United States.