Madeleine (given name) explained

Madeleine
Pronunciation:

in French madlɛn/
Gender:Female
Meaning:'from the city of Magdala'
Nickname:Maddy/Maddie
Popularity:Yes

Madeleine or Madeline is a feminine given name, ultimately of Greek origin. The name exists in various spellings and pronunciations and is popular among those living in Europe and English-speakers, as well as followers of Christianity, as Mary Magdalene was a central figure in the New Testament.

Madeleine is a modern rendering, found in English and French, of the Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Μαγδαληνή|Magdalenē|from [[Magdala]]|label=Greek epithet. It arose as a name due to its association with the Biblical character and female disciple Mary Magdalene. It has a secondary meaning from German of "little girl" (German: Mädelein).

Both variants are currently pronounced the same in English, but Madeline was formerly pronounced ; furthermore, they can be pronounced in non-standard English.[1]

Madelyn and Madalyn are alternative spellings. Diminutives include Maddy, Maddie, Maddi and Leine.

People named Madeleine

People named Madeline

Fictional characters

Notes and References

  1. Book: Wells, John. John C. Wells. Longman Pronunciation Dictionary. Harlow. Pearson. 3. 3 April 2008. 978-1-4058-8118-0.