Find out how popular the first name Medeline has been for the last 12 years (from 1999 to 2010) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Medeline by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Medeline is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2010, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Medeline.

The history of the first name Medeline

Medeline is a feminine given name of French origin, derived from the old French form "Madeleine." The name traces its roots back to the ancient Greek name "Magdalene," meaning "woman from Magdala." Magdala was an ancient city located in present-day Israel, and the name has biblical connections to Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in the New Testament.

The name Medeline became popular in medieval Europe, particularly in France and England. It was often associated with religious devotion and piety due to its association with Mary Magdalene. Many women named Medeline were known for their charitable works and dedication to the Church.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Medeline can be found in the 12th-century work "The Life of St. Mary Magdalene" by the French poet Wace. In this work, Wace recounts the life of Mary Magdalene and her devotion to Jesus Christ.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Medeline. One of the most famous was Medeline de Prouverre (c. 1220-1298), a French noblewoman and crusader who participated in the Seventh Crusade. Another notable Medeline was Medeline de Verchères (1678-1747), a French-Canadian heroine who defended her family's fort against an Iroquois attack in 1692.

In the literary world, Medeline de Scudéry (1607-1701) was a prominent French writer and intellectual who hosted a renowned literary salon in Paris. Her works, such as the novel "Artamène, ou le Grand Cyrus," were widely read and influential during her lifetime.

In the realm of religion, Medeline Sophie Barat (1779-1865) was a French nun who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, a religious congregation dedicated to educating girls. She was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1925.

Another notable Medeline was Medeline Albright (1937-2022), the first woman to serve as the United States Secretary of State. She played a pivotal role in shaping American foreign policy during the Clinton administration and was known for her expertise in international affairs.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Medeline was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Medeline, please contact us.

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