Madge is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "madde," which means "maiden" or "young woman." The name Madge was popular during the Middle Ages in England, often used as a pet form of Maddalena, the Italian form of Magdalene.
The name Maddalena is ultimately derived from the Aramaic name "Magdal-ena," meaning "from Magdala." Magdala was a village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus Christ is said to have performed many miracles. Saint Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus and witness to his crucifixion and resurrection, is believed to have been born in this village.
While Madge is no longer as common as it once was, it has been used consistently throughout history. Some notable figures with the name include American actress Madge Blake, best known for her role as Amanda Barrington on the soap opera "Guiding Light," and Australian politician Madge Mitchell, who served in the Parliament of South Australia from 1947 to 1953.
Today, Madge remains a rare and vintage name choice that evokes a sense of nostalgia and uniqueness. It is often associated with the characteristics of being independent, strong-willed, and somewhat mysterious, reflecting its historical origins as a maiden's name and its connection to Saint Mary Magdalene. Despite its rarity, those who bear the name Madge carry with them a rich history and distinctive identity.
The name Madge has seen a significant decline in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was quite common, with over 100 births each year from 1898 to 1917. The peak year for the name Madge was 1915, with 378 births.
However, by the 1940s and 1950s, the popularity of the name began to wane, dropping below 60 births per year consistently from 1945 onwards. This decline continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with fewer than 20 births each year during this period.
In recent years, the name Madge has become even less common, with only 5 births reported in 2016. Overall, there have been a total of 13,430 births with the name Madge in the United States since 1880.