Madeleine

Madeleine is a French form of Magdalene, derived from the Greek Magdalēnē, meaning "of Magdala," a reference to the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. The name became widely used in Christian tradition through Mary Magdalene, the biblical figure who was a follower of Jesus. It has long been popular in French-speaking countries and spread throughout Europe and beyond, carried in part by its association with refinement and elegance. Related forms include Magdalena, Magdalene, Madeline, and Madeleine.