What does Magdalene mean and where does it come from?
Magdalene has roots in Hebrew, specifically referring to the town of Magdala. It is most famously associated with Mary Magdalene from the New Testament, often depicted as a figure of compassion and forgiveness. The name has been used in various countries and holds significant religious connotations,
Cultural significance
Magdalene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of מַגְדַל עִנָּכָא (magdal), meaning 'of magdala', a region on the sea of galilee..
Peak popularity
Reached #434 in 1904 — currently #1530 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Magdalene?
Magdalene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Magdalene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Magdalene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Magdalene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Magdalene Claire
French influence · crisp
Magdalene Jane
Literary · strong
Magdalene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Magdalene right now?
Rising fast — up 197 spots — currently #1530 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1530 | 140 | ▲ up 197 · +16% births |
| 2022 | #1727 | 121 | ▲ up 382 · +34% births |
| 2021 | #2109 | 90 | ▼ down 331 · -18% births |
| 2020 | #1778 | 110 | ▲ up 11 · -5% births |
| 2015 | #1789 | 116 | ▲ up 57 · +5% births |
| 2010 | #1846 | 110 | ▼ down 127 · -4% births |
| 2005 | #1719 | 115 | ▲ up 183 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #1902 | 89 | ▲ up 787 · +98% births |
| 1995 | #2689 | 45 | ▲ up 211 · +15% births |
| 1990 | #2900 | 39 | ▼ down 415 |
| 1985 | #2485 | 39 | ▲ up 729 · +50% births |
| 1980 | #3214 | 26 | ▼ down 529 · -7% births |
| 1975 | #2685 | 28 | ▲ up 631 · +47% births |
| 1970 | #3316 | 19 | ▼ down 903 · -24% births |
| 1965 | #2413 | 25 | — |
The story of Magdalene
Magdalene has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 9,312 total births recorded, Magdalene remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #484 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1530 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Magdalene in 1904:
Magdalene by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 146 | |
| 1890s | 282 | |
| 1900s | 402 | |
| 1910s | 1,269 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,558 | |
| 1930s | 1,009 | |
| 1940s | 619 | |
| 1950s | 457 | |
| 1960s | 273 | |
| 1970s | 220 | |
| 1980s | 339 | |
| 1990s | 530 | |
| 2000s | 950 | |
| 2010s | 1,148 | |
| 2020s | 110 | |
💎With 9,312 total births, Magdalene is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Magdalene?
CROATIAN
MagdaMajdaMandaMandica
Famous people named Magdalene
M(
Magdalene (historical community leader)
Magdalene led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Magdalene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Magdalene also consider these
How is Magdalene written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Magdalene
What does the name Magdalene mean?
Magdalene means "מַגְדַל עִנָּכָא (Magdal), meaning 'of Magdala', a region on the Sea of Galilee." — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Magdalene?
Magdalene is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Magdalene have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Magdalene?
Magdalene originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Magdalene?
Magdalene is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 G D AH0 L IY2 N. 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 Magdalene?
Magdalene pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.