The given name Madilynn is a variant of the name Madeline, which has its origins in the Germanic languages. The name is believed to have derived from the root words "maht," meaning "strength," and "lind," meaning "soft" or "tender." This combination of contrasting meanings is thought to represent the idea of a strong yet gentle person.

The earliest recorded use of the name Madeline dates back to the 7th century, where it appeared in medieval French texts as "Madeleine." It gained popularity during the Middle Ages and was often associated with the biblical figure of Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. This association contributed to the name's widespread use among Christian communities across Europe.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Madeline was Madeline of Valois (1443-1495), a French princess and daughter of King Charles VII. She was known for her involvement in the French court and her patronage of the arts.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained further prominence, particularly in literature. In the 19th century, the French author Alfred de Musset immortalized the name in his poem "Madeleine," which celebrated the beauty and grace of a woman named Madeleine.

Another famous bearer of the name was the French novelist and playwright Madeleine de Scudéry (1607-1701), who was renowned for her influential literary salons and her contributions to the development of the novel genre.

In the 20th century, the name Madeline became widely recognized through the beloved children's book series "Madeline" by Ludwig Bemelmans, first published in 1939. The books follow the adventures of a young girl named Madeline in Paris, and the character's spunky personality endeared her to generations of readers.

Other notable figures with the name Madilynn or its variants include Madeleine Albright (1937-2022), the first woman to serve as the United States Secretary of State; Madeleine Stowe (born 1958), an American actress known for her roles in films such as "The Last of the Mohicans"; and Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007), the acclaimed American writer best known for her classic novel "A Wrinkle in Time."