Madeline is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the medieval name Madeleine. It means "from Magdala," referring to Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee where Mary Magdalene, an early Christian saint, was believed to have lived. The name gained prominence in the Middle Ages through its association with this biblical figure. Madeline is often associated with elegance and sophistication, reflecting its European roots. It has been popular among English-speaking countries since the 19th century, with notable bearers including American author Madeleine L'Engle and British actress Madeline Smith.
The name Madeline experienced two periods of popularity throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries, with peaks in the late 1920s and again around the mid-2000s to early 2010s.