Surname Maudlin - Meaning and Origin

Maudlin: What does the surname Maudlin mean?

The surname Maudlin is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is associated with St. Mary Magdalene, as the name Maudlin is an archaic term for Magdalene. The name Maudlin came from a dialectical adaptation of the feminine personal name Madeleine, derived from Magdalene. The name Mary Magdalene, in turn, is a title meaning Mary of Magdala, a town on the sea of Galilee. In the Middle English period, the name Madeleine was often shortened to Maudlin.

The term "maudlin," which has come to mean overly sentimental or tearfully emotional, in a self-pitying or indulgent way, originated as a variation of Magdalene. This usage comes from interpretations of Mary Magdalene in the Christian Bible as a weeping penitent.

For the surname Maudlin, it has been used in England since at least the 13th century, often in the forms Maudelyn, Maudelyne, or Maudlin. Today, the name is quite rare and found more commonly in the United States and England. It's worth noting that the meaning of surnames can vary significantly based on regional interpretations and family history.

Maudlin: Where does the name Maudlin come from?

The last name Maudlin is most commonly found today in the United States and parts of Canada, as well as in Anglophone countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the United States, Maudlin can be found mainly in states in the Eastern half of the country, though there have been some reports of the surname showing up in other parts of the country.In the U.K., it appears mainly in the midlands of England and Wales. In Canada, it shows up mainly in Ontario and British Columbia, and in Australia, it is mainly in the state of Victoria.

The origin of the name Maudlin can be traced to medieval Europe. The surname appears to have originated in France, and is likely derived from the personal name Mathilde which derives from the Germanic elements "maht" and "hild" meaning "might" and "battle". The origins of the exact spelling are unknown, but it may have come about from various dialectical differences.

The surname Maudlin has also been found in various records in America since the 1600s. The first records of the name appear in Virginia which includes the earliest recorded Maudlins. The family is also known to have been in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. Since then, it has spread south and west into many other states.

Overall, the name Maudlin is most common today in the United States and other parts of the Anglophone world. It is believed to have originated in France many centuries ago before eventually traveling to the United States.

Variations of the surname Maudlin

Maudlin is generally considered to be an Anglo-Norman surname, derived from a place involved with Matilda, often being spelled as Maudeling. It may also have been derived from a feminine given name formed from the popular Middle English name Matilda combined with the suffix ‘-lin’, meaning ‘follower of’.

The variants of Maudlin include Maudlyn, Maudling, Maudlinn, Maudlinne, Maudlye, and also Mathelyn, Matheling, Mathender, Mattleden and Mathelyne.

The surnames of the same origin include Alkin, Allkin, Atkin, Atkyn, Atkinne, Atkyns, Atlekin, Atliner, Atlyne, Ayliffe, Aylmer, Aytta, Lang, Mathe, Mathelyne, Matheling, Mauldon, Maudcomb, Maudelyn, Maudling, Maudline, Modling, Motling, Mutling, and the nicknames ‘Madlin,’ ‘Maltin’ and ‘Matlin’.

It is important to note that many of the variants and surnames listed here may also have had different origins, so it is always best to trace ancestry when researching surnames and their meanings.

Famous people with the name Maudlin

• Mel Maudlin: Texas based songwriter and musician
• Killer Mike Maudlin: Hip-Hop recording artist and actor
• Devon Maudlin: Reality TV star
• Chad Maudlin: Road cycling Olympic hopeful
• David Maudlin: Bestselling author
• Jesse Maudlin: Musician and YouTube personality
• Chris Maudlin: Hollywood actor
• Jerry Maudlin: Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
• Tonya Maudlin: Producer, director and actress
• Robin Maudlin: TV weather presenter

Other surnames

MaudlenMaudling