Madeline

The name Madeline is of French origin and is derived from the Latin name Magdalene, meaning "woman of Magdala." Magdala was a village on the Sea of Galilee, and in the Bible, it is mentioned as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus. Madeline is a variant spelling of the name Madeleine, which is more commonly used in French-speaking countries.

Madeline has gained popularity in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, starting in the late 19th century. The name became widely known through the well-loved children's book series, "Madeline," by Ludwig Bemelmans. The series tells the story of a brave and plucky young girl named Madeline, who lives in a boarding school in Paris.

Madeline is an elegant and timeless name. It has a classic charm that appeals to many parents. The name often evokes images of grace, sophistication, and femininity. Madeline can be spelled in a variety of ways, including Madelyn, Madilyn, or Madalyn, adding to its versatility and personalization.

In terms of popularity, Madeline has experienced fluctuations over the years. It has consistently ranked among the top 200 names in the United States since the late 1990s. However, it reached its highest point of popularity in 1999, when it peaked at number 54 on the Social Security Administration's list of popular baby names.

The name Madeline has also been associated with several notable individuals. Madeline Albright, the first female United States Secretary of State, brought prominence to the name in political circles. Other well-known figures with the name Madeline include actress Madeline Kahn, writer Madeline Miller, and singer-songwriter Madeline Peyroux.