Madelaine is a feminine given name, a variant of Madeline. Madeline itself is the English form of the French Madeleine, which derives from Magdalene, meaning “of Magdala.” Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in the New Testament, was so called because she came from Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee whose name in Aramaic means “tower.” After being healed of evil spirits by Jesus, she became one of his followers, witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection, and is venerated as a saint. Etymology and History The name Magdalene was popular in the Middle Ages due to the cult of Mary Magdalene. In England, the learned form Magdalene or Magdalen was used alongside the vernacular Madeline. Madelaine represents a further spelling variant, possibly influenced by French orthography. It emerged particularly in English-speaking countries in the 19th and 20th centuries, sometimes as an alternative to the more common Madeline. Related forms include Madalyn, Madelyn, and diminutives like Maddie and Maddy. Notable Bearers Notable individuals with the given name Madelaine include: Madelaine Edlund, Swedish footballer Madelaine Newton, British actress Madelaine Petsch, American actress best known for her role in the television series Riverdale The name also appears as a surname, for example: Matthieu Madelaine (born 1983), French swimmer Louis Philipon de La Madelaine (1734–1818), French writer and philologist Cultural Significance The variant Madelaine, while less common than Madeline, has been used in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century. It may have gained some recognition through the children's book series about Madeline, created by Ludwig Bemelmans, first published in 1939. However, the spelling Madelaine remains distinct, sometimes chosen for its French flair. Key Facts Meaning: “Of Magdala” Origin: Hebrew (through Greek and French) via the place name Magdala Type: Given name Usage Regions: Primarily English-speaking countries Related Names: Madeline, Madeleine, Magdalene