What does Madelena mean and where does it come from?
Madelena is a variant of Magdalena and carries biblical significance, as Mary Magdalene was a prominent figure in the New Testament. This name is popular in Spanish and Italian cultures, often associated with historical and religious importance. The name has roots in the town of Magdala by the Sea o
Cultural significance
Madelena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from magdalena, meaning 'of magdala'.
Peak popularity
Reached #7860 in 2008 — currently #11835 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Madelena?
Madelena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madelena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Madelena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Madelena Mae
Sweet · timeless
Madelena Claire
French influence · crisp
Madelena Jane
Literary · strong
Madelena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Madelena right now?
Falling — down 582 spots — currently #11835 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #11835 | 8 | ▼ down 582 |
| 2020 | #11253 | 8 | ▲ up 5703 · +60% births |
| 2015 | #16956 | 5 | ▼ down 5758 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #11198 | 9 | ▲ up 1023 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #12221 | 7 | — |
The story of Madelena
Madelena is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 182 total births recorded, Madelena remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12221 in 2000 to #11835 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Madelena in 2008:
Madelena by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 18 | |
| 1980s | 12 | |
| 1990s | 32 | |
| 2000s ★ | 71 | |
| 2010s | 41 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Madelena has only 182 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Madelena?
Famous people named Madelena
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Madelena (Spanish saint)
Madelena helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
M(
Madelena (Spanish royal)
Madelena held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
M(
Madelena (Flamenco artist)
Madelena carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
M(
Madelena (Latin American historical figure)
Madelena used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Madelena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madelena also consider these
Common questions about the name Madelena
What does the name Madelena mean?
Madelena means "Derived from Magdalena, meaning 'of Magdala'" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Madelena?
Madelena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Madelena have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Madelena?
Madelena originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Madelena?
Madelena is a four-syllable name pronounced M AA0 D EH0 L EH1 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 Madelena?
Madelena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.