&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Mariya_Magdalena.jpg) Mary Magdalene, the saint responsible for the popularity of the name Madeline, in a painting by Frederick Sandys | |
| Pronunciation | /ˈmædəlɪn/ MAD-əl-in /ˈmædəleɪn/ MAD-əl-ayn French: [madlɛn] |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Origin | |
| Meaning | 'from the city of Magdala', 'little girl' |
| Other names | |
| Nickname(s) | Maddy, Maddie, Lena |
| Related names | Maddalena, Madelyn/Madalyn, Magda, Magdalena, Magdalene |
| Popularity | see popular names |
Madeleine, or Madeline has biblical origins. The name Magdalena is derived from the Aramaic term "Magdala" (מגדלא), meaning "tower" or "elevated, great." It refers to the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, traditionally identified as the hometown of Mary Magdalene (Mary of Magdala), a prominent figure in the New Testament who was a follower of Jesus. Therefore, Magdalena can be interpreted as "woman from Magdala."
From Aramaic, the name was adopted into Greek as Μαγδαληνή (Magdalēnē) and later into Latin as Magdalena. In Latin, it became more commonly used as a personal name, especially due to the association with Mary Magdalene, an important saint in Christian tradition.
The name spread across Europe through Christian traditions, evolving into various forms in different languages. In Spanish, Polish, German, and other European languages, Magdalena became a popular name, often associated with purity and devotion due to its link with the saint.
Madeleine is a modern rendering, found in English and French, of the Greek epithet: Μαγδαληνή, romanized: Magdalenē, lit. 'from Magdala'. 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" or “young maiden”(Mädelein).[citation needed]
Both variants are currently pronounced the same in English, but Madeline was formerly pronounced /ˈmædəlaɪn/ MAD-əl-eyen; furthermore, they can be pronounced /ˈmædələn/ MAD-əl-ən in non-standard English.[1]
Madelyn and Madalyn are alternative spellings. Diminutives include Maddy, Maddie, Maddi and Leine.
- ^ Wells, John (3 April 2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3 ed.). Harlow: Pearson. ISBN 978-1-4058-8118-0.