The name Madeleine originates from the French language and has its roots in the biblical name Magdalene, which refers to Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. The name Madeleine is derived from the Hebrew name Migdal, meaning "tower" or "elevated."

In the 12th century, the name Madeleine gained popularity in France, particularly among the nobility and upper classes. It was often associated with grace, piety, and devotion, reflecting the qualities attributed to Mary Magdalene.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Madeleine can be found in the writings of the French poet and composer Guillaume de Machaut, who lived from around 1300 to 1377. He dedicated several works to a woman named Madeleine.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Madeleine. One of the most famous is Madeleine de Souvré, Marquise de Sablé (1599-1678), a French writer and prominent figure in the literary salons of 17th-century Paris.

Another notable Madeleine was Madeleine de Scudéry (1607-1701), a French novelist and prolific writer of the Baroque period, known for her influential works such as "Artamène, ou le Grand Cyrus" and "Clélie, histoire romaine."

In the 19th century, Madeleine Brès (1842-1898) was a French feminist and writer who advocated for women's rights and education. She founded the Société pour l'Enseignement Professionnel des Femmes (Society for the Professional Education of Women) in Paris.

Madeleine Vionnet (1876-1975) was a renowned French fashion designer known for her innovative and revolutionary approach to dressmaking, using the bias-cut technique to create elegant and fluid garments.

In the 20th century, Madeleine Albright (born 1937) gained international recognition as the first female United States Secretary of State, serving under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001.