Madeline is a unique and distinctive female given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "madeline," which means "from Magdala." Magdala was an ancient city located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, where it is believed that Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus Christ's disciples, lived.
The name Madeline has a rich history and has been popular throughout many centuries. It gained prominence during the Middle Ages in France, where it was often given to girls born into noble families. Some notable figures bearing this name include the French author Madame de Lafayette, whose real name was Marie-Madeleine Pioche de La Vergne, and the American socialite and philanthropist Madeleine Astor, who was married to John Jacob Astor IV.
Despite its historical significance, Madeline remains a relatively uncommon name today. This may be due in part to its unique pronunciation and spelling, which can make it challenging for some people to pronounce or remember. However, those who do bear this name often take pride in its distinctive sound and its connection to France's rich cultural heritage.
Overall, Madeline is a beautiful and elegant name with a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Whether given as a tribute to Mary Magdalene or simply chosen for its unique sound, this name is sure to make any girl stand out from the crowd.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Madeline has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 92 babies being named Madeline between 1918 and 2022.
The earliest recorded year for the name is 1918, with five births. There was another peak in the 1920s, with six births in 1921 and nine births each in 1922.
After a significant gap, the name Madeline started to gain popularity again in the early 2000s, reaching its highest point recently with ten births in 2008. The years 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2012 each had nine or more births.
Although there have been some fluctuations since then, the name Madeline has remained consistently popular, with seven or more births every year from 2012 to 2022, indicating a steady trend in its usage as a baby girl's name.