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Magdalena Girl

Popularity: #636 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmag-duh-LAY-nuh / ˌmæɡdəˈleɪnə

Hebrew; Latin; Greek

Meaning

Hebrew: 'of Magdala'; Latin: 'tower'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Magdalena has its roots in the Hebrew name "Migdāl" (מִגְדָּל), meaning "tower." This term was used in the context of a place name, specifically referring to Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee. The name was later adopted into Greek as "Magdalēnē" (Μαγδαληνή), which translates to "of Magdala." From Greek, it transitioned into Latin as "Magdalena," before being incorporated into Old French and eventually into English. The evolution of the name reflects a journey through various languages and cultures, maintaining its association with the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, who is often depicted as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Mary Magdalene is a significant figure in Christian tradition, often recognized for her role in the resurrection narrative. She is mentioned in the Gospels, particularly in the accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John, where she is described as the first to witness the resurrected Christ. This association with a pivotal moment in Christian theology has contributed to the name's enduring significance throughout the centuries. The name Magdalena has been used in various forms across different cultures, often linked to themes of devotion and faith.

In medieval Europe, the name became popularized through the veneration of saints, particularly Saint Mary Magdalene, whose feast day is celebrated on July 22. The name's resonance was further solidified by its inclusion in religious texts and art, where Mary Magdalene is often depicted as a symbol of repentance and redemption. The name has also inspired numerous literary and artistic works, reflecting its deep cultural roots. Diminutive forms such as "Maggie" or "Lena" have emerged historically, but the name Magdalena itself has remained a powerful symbol of spiritual significance and historical depth.

Trend Summary

The name Magdalena has seen a steady presence in the U.S. but is not among the top names in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Magda
  • Maggie
  • Lena

International Variants

  • Magdalena (Spanish)
  • Magdalene (English)
  • Madeleine (French)

Famous people named Magdalena

Magdalena Frackowiak is a model best known for her work with Victoria's Secret, Chanel, and Gucci.

Magdalena Rybarikova is a professional tennis player best known for her performances at Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

Magdalena Kožená is a mezzo-soprano singer best known for her performances in operas and classical concerts.

Fictional characters named Magdalena

Magdalena is a fictional character from the comic book series Magdalena. She is a warrior and protector of the Catholic faith, wielding the power of the Magdalena lineage to combat evil.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Magdalena was first seen in the United States in 1880. Magdalena has ranked as high as #1065 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Magdalena has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Magdalena (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 34
13%
TX 31
12%
FL 16
6%
CO 14
5%
NY 13
5%
MO 11
4%
OH 11
4%
PA 11
4%
GA 10
4%
WA 10
4%
TN 10
4%
IA 9
3%
WI 9
3%
KS 9
3%
IL 8
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188019
188120
188233
188327
188431
188532
188640
188726
188841
188937
189025
189141
189226
189358
189446
189531
189642
189729
189838
189928
190032
190137
190237
190340
190428
190532
190633
190732
190828
190947
191036
191140
191253
191349
191456
191576
191685
191768
191879
191962
192084
192196
192280
1923106
1924113
192596
192686
1927112
1928102
192992
193090
193193
193281
193385
193464
193582
193654
193767
193863
193960
194067
194173
194264
194381
194463
194562
194675
194792
1948120
1949113
195095
1951140
1952115
1953122
1954122
1955132
1956140
1957124
1958142
1959155
1960165
1961169
1962187
1963158
1964170
1965168
1966150
1967135
1968117
1969153
1970158
1971158
1972127
1973165
1974156
1975168
1976161
1977169
1978147
1979182
1980167
1981168
1982195
1983144
1984150
1985141
1986196
1987170
1988168
1989169
1990209
1991192
1992219
1993269
1994262
1995263
1996250
1997288
1998263
1999242
2000245
2001270
2002228
2003264
2004312
2005321
2006295
2007325
2008310
2009271
2010230
2011213
2012216
2013215
2014274
2015236
2016262
2017278
2018246
2019274
2020256
2021276
2022301
2023296
2024321