What does Magdalena mean and where does it come from?
The name Magdalena is derived from the Hebrew מִגדָל מִגְדָלָה (Migdal), which means 'tower.' It is often associated with Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in the New Testament. The name has been popular in many countries, particularly in Christian communities. Its variations include Madgalena an
Cultural significance
Magdalena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #312 in 1882 — currently #850 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Magdalena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Magdalena?
Magdalena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Magdalena Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Magdalena Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Magdalena Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Magdalena Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Magdalena Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Magdalena Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Magdalena right now?
Declining — down 12 spots — currently #850 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #850 | 320 | ▼ down 12 · -1% births |
| 2024 | #838 | 323 | ▲ up 64 · +9% births |
| 2023 | #902 | 296 | ▲ up 10 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #912 | 301 | ▲ up 39 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #951 | 276 | ▲ up 45 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #996 | 253 | ▲ up 106 · +8% births |
| 2015 | #1102 | 234 | ▼ down 13 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #1089 | 229 | ▼ down 279 · -28% births |
| 2005 | #810 | 319 | ▲ up 88 · +31% births |
| 2000 | #898 | 244 | ▼ down 130 · -7% births |
| 1995 | #768 | 263 | ▲ up 147 · +26% births |
| 1990 | #915 | 209 | ▲ up 136 · +48% births |
| 1985 | #1051 | 141 | ▼ down 147 · -16% births |
| 1980 | #904 | 167 | ▼ down 87 |
| 1975 | #817 | 167 | — |
The story of Magdalena
Magdalena has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 18,236 babies have received this name. Once ranked #383 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #902 in 2023. Magdalena is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Magdalena in 1882:
Magdalena by decade
Magdalena peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 306 | |
| 1890s | 364 | |
| 1900s | 346 | |
| 1910s | 604 | |
| 1920s | 967 | |
| 1930s | 739 | |
| 1940s | 810 | |
| 1950s | 1,287 | |
| 1960s | 1,570 | |
| 1970s | 1,589 | |
| 1980s | 1,677 | |
| 1990s | 2,456 | |
| 2000s ★ | 2,832 | |
| 2010s | 2,436 | |
| 2020s | 896 | |
What are good nicknames for Magdalena?
CROATIAN
MagdaMajdaMandaMandica
What names sound and feel like Magdalena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Magdalena also consider these
How is Magdalena written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Magdalena
What does the name Magdalena mean?
Magdalena means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Magdalena?
Magdalena is currently ranked #902 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Magdalena have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Magdalena?
Magdalena originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Magdalena?
Magdalena is a four-syllable name pronounced magd-ul-EE-nuh. 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 Magdalena?
Magdalena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.