What does Magdalen mean and where does it come from?
Magdalen is derived from the Hebrew מִגְדַּל עַזָּה (Migdol Azza), meaning 'of Magdala'. It refers to Mary Magdalene from the New Testament, indicating a connection to fame and historical significance. The name has variations across many cultures, including Mary Magdalene in English-speaking countri
Cultural significance
Magdalen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Various European countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #508 in 1887 — currently #7358 in the US.
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Related Reading
Various European countries-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Magdalen?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Magdalen?
Magdalen works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Magdalen Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Magdalen Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Magdalen Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Magdalen Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Magdalen Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Magdalen Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Magdalen right now?
Rising fast — up 3418 spots — currently #7358 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7358 | 15 | ▲ up 3418 · +67% births |
| 2024 | #10776 | 9 | ▼ down 1411 · -18% births |
| 2023 | #9365 | 11 | ▼ down 1867 · -27% births |
| 2022 | #7498 | 15 | ▲ up 4266 · +88% births |
| 2021 | #11764 | 8 | ▼ down 4604 · -47% births |
| 2020 | #7160 | 15 | ▼ down 2441 · -48% births |
| 2015 | #4719 | 29 | ▲ up 1659 · +45% births |
| 2010 | #6378 | 20 | ▼ down 2345 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #4033 | 35 | ▼ down 295 · +3% births |
| 2000 | #3738 | 34 | ▲ up 1112 · +70% births |
| 1995 | #4850 | 20 | ▲ up 3038 · +100% births |
| 1990 | #7888 | 10 | ▼ down 2802 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #5086 | 14 | ▲ up 834 · +27% births |
| 1980 | #5920 | 11 | ▲ up 576 · +38% births |
| 1975 | #6496 | 8 | — |
The story of Magdalen
Magdalen has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,208 total births recorded, Magdalen remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #716 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9365 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Magdalen in 1887:
Magdalen by decade
Magdalen peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 94 | |
| 1890s | 219 | |
| 1900s | 228 | |
| 1910s ★ | 579 | |
| 1920s | 548 | |
| 1930s | 252 | |
| 1940s | 154 | |
| 1950s | 138 | |
| 1960s | 77 | |
| 1970s | 55 | |
| 1980s | 95 | |
| 1990s | 186 | |
| 2000s | 338 | |
| 2010s | 230 | |
| 2020s | 39 | |
💎With 3,208 total births, Magdalen is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Magdalen?
CROATIAN
MagdaMajdaMandaMandica
What names sound and feel like Magdalen?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Magdalen also consider these
How is Magdalen written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Magdalen
What does the name Magdalen mean?
Magdalen means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Various European countries 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 Magdalen?
Magdalen 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 Magdalen?
Magdalen originates from Various European countries tradition. Various European countries 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 Magdalen?
Magdalen is a three-syllable name pronounced MAGD-ul-un. 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 Magdalen?
Magdalen pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Various European countries heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.