Maudine

Meaning & origin

Maudine is a rare feminine name that emerged in late 19th century America as an elaboration of the medieval staple Maud. The earliest recorded use of Maudine dates to 1896, though the name reached its peak popularity in the 1920s. Specifically, 1925 marked the height of its usage, after which it steadily declined. Maudine has not been in the top 1000 names for many decades, and its trajectory reflects a stable but low level of use. The name is primarily concentrated in the United States, with no single state standing out as having especially strong ties to it. For parents seeking a vintage name with a sturdy, old-fashioned charm, Maudine offers a distinctive alternative to more common choices like Maude or Matilda.

Maudine is a diminutive or elaboration of Maud, which is an English vernacular form of the Old German name Mathilda (also spelled Matilda). Mathilda is composed of the elements 'maht' meaning 'might, strength' and 'hild' meaning 'battle'. The name Maud was common in medieval England, and Maudine emerged in the late 19th century as an affectionate variant, possibly influenced by names like Claudine. It saw its most notable usage in the United States in the 1920s.