Madelene is a charming and unique given name of Scandinavian origin. Derived from the Old Norse name 'Mäðildr', which is composed of two elements: 'maþr' meaning 'fame' or 'renown', and '-ildr' denoting 'battle'. Thus, Madelene signifies "famous in battle".
The name has a rich history, tracing back to the Viking era. It was popular among the Norse people, who often bestowed names with strong meanings related to power, courage, and valor upon their children. Madelene is a perfect example of this trend, embodying the spirit of the fierce and brave Scandinavian warriors.
In medieval times, the name evolved into its French form, Madeleine, which became quite popular in France and other European countries. Today, variations of Madelene, such as Madeleine, Maddalena, and Maddalen, are still used across the globe, paying homage to their historical roots.
Madelene is not just a name with a captivating past but also one that carries an air of strength and uniqueness. It's a beautiful choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Madelene experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak between 1914 and 1924, reaching its highest point with 57 births in 1921. However, after the mid-1930s, it became increasingly uncommon, with fewer than 30 births recorded per year on average from 1936 onwards. Since the late 1980s, Madelene has been quite rare, with less than 15 births per year typically occurring in recent years.