Maudie

The name Maudie is an English feminine diminutive form of the name Matilda, which is derived from the Germanic names Mahthildis and Mathilda. These names are composed of the elements "maht" meaning "might, strength" and "hild" meaning "battle." The name Matilda came into use among Germanic nobility during the Middle Ages.

Maudie emerged as a pet form of Matilda, likely in England during the 19th century. The earliest recorded example of the name Maudie can be found in the 1841 census records of England and Wales. One notable bearer of the name Maudie was Maudie Littlefield (1860-1953), an American businesswoman and philanthropist from Massachusetts.

In literature, the name Maudie appears in the 1916 novel "Anne's House of Dreams" by Lucy Maud Montgomery, where a character named Maudie Elliot is mentioned. Another literary reference is Maudie Fowler, a character in the 1949 novel "The Cruel Sea" by Nicholas Monsarrat.

One of the most famous bearers of the name Maudie was Maudie Prickett (1914-1986), an American folk artist from North Carolina. Her vibrant paintings and sculptures gained widespread recognition, and she was the subject of the 2016 biographical film "Maudie."

Another notable Maudie was Maudie Edwards (1942-1997), an English actress best known for her roles in the television series "The Newcomers" and "Dodger, Bonzo and the Rest." She also appeared in several films, including "The Appointment" and "The Triple Echo."

Maudie Norman (1898-1994) was a Canadian artist and educator who taught at the Ontario College of Art for over 30 years. She was instrumental in shaping the art education curriculum in Ontario and promoting Canadian art.