The name Madaline is derived from the biblical name Magdalene, which is the feminine form of Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee in ancient Israel. The name Magdalene is associated with Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in the New Testament who was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

The name Madaline first emerged as a French variant of Magdalene during the Middle Ages. It gained popularity across Europe, particularly in France and England, where it was often spelled as Madeleine or Madeline. The name's origins can be traced back to the Latin word "Magdalena," which was derived from the Aramaic "Migdal," meaning "tower" or "fortress."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Madaline can be found in the 12th century, when a French noblewoman named Madeleine de Champlitte lived during the reign of King Louis VII. In the 13th century, Madaline de Prouvins, a French poet and trouvère, gained recognition for her literary works.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Madaline or its variations. Madeleine de Scudéry (1607-1701) was a French novelist and prominent figure in the literary salons of 17th century Paris. Madeleine de Souvré (1599-1676) was a French courtier and the mistress of King Louis XIII.

In the realm of religion, Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779-1865) was a French nun who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, a Roman Catholic religious institute dedicated to the education of girls. Madeleine Delbrêl (1904-1964) was a French Catholic activist and writer known for her work in advocating for the poor and marginalized.

The name Madaline also made its mark in the arts and literature. Madeleine de Scudéry (1607-1701), mentioned earlier, was a prolific writer and a prominent figure in the French literary salons of the 17th century. Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007) was an American writer best known for her young adult novel "A Wrinkle in Time," which won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1963.

These are just a few examples of the historical figures who have borne the name Madaline or its variations throughout the centuries, highlighting its rich cultural and religious heritage.