What does Madalena mean and where does it come from?
Madalena is a popular name in Portuguese and Italian cultures, often spelled 'Magdalena' in various languages. This name is historically significant due to its biblical associations with Mary Magdalene. The name has remained well-liked through centuries and has many variants across Europe, each reta
Cultural significance
Madalena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Portugal-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of magdala, a place of the first appearance of jesus after his resurrection.
Peak popularity
Reached #2781 in 1936 — currently #6086 in the US.
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Related Reading
Portugal-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madalena?
Madalena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madalena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madalena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madalena Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madalena Claire
French influence · crisp
Madalena Jane
Literary · strong
Madalena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madalena right now?
Falling — down 196 spots — currently #6086 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6086 | 20 | ▼ down 196 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #5890 | 21 | ▲ up 981 · +24% births |
| 2021 | #6871 | 17 | ▲ up 1068 · +31% births |
| 2020 | #7939 | 13 | ▼ down 2084 · -41% births |
| 2015 | #5855 | 22 | ▼ down 868 · -21% births |
| 2010 | #4987 | 28 | ▲ up 6007 · +211% births |
| 2005 | #10994 | 9 | ▼ down 160 · +13% births |
| 2000 | #10834 | 8 | ▼ down 3257 · -27% births |
| 1995 | #7577 | 11 | ▲ up 2716 · +57% births |
| 1990 | #10293 | 7 | ▼ down 1067 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #9226 | 6 | ▲ up 13 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #9239 | 5 | ▼ down 2025 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #7214 | 6 | ▼ down 2635 · -33% births |
| 1965 | #4579 | 9 | ▼ down 762 · +29% births |
| 1945 | #3817 | 7 | — |
The story of Madalena
Madalena entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 730 total births recorded, Madalena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4636 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6086 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Madalena in 1936:
Madalena by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 36 | |
| 1930s | 33 | |
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 1950s | 31 | |
| 1960s | 48 | |
| 1970s | 59 | |
| 1980s | 30 | |
| 1990s | 95 | |
| 2000s | 164 | |
| 2010s ★ | 193 | |
| 2020s | 13 | |
💎Madalena has only 730 total recorded births since 1911 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Madalena?
CROATIAN
MagdaMajdaMandaMandica
What names sound and feel like Madalena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madalena also consider these
How is Madalena written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Madalena
What does the name Madalena mean?
Madalena means "Of Magdala, a place of the first appearance of Jesus after his resurrection" — a name rooted in Portugal tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Madalena?
Madalena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Madalena?
Madalena originates from Portugal tradition. Portugal names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Madalena?
Madalena is a four-syllable name pronounced M AE2 D AH0 L EY1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Madalena?
Madalena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Portugal heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.