What does Magdelena mean and where does it come from?
The name Magdelena has historical significance, particularly through its biblical association with Mary Magdalene. It's a form of the name Magdalena, which suggests strength and resilience. It has enjoyed popularity in various cultures and regions, often seen in religious contexts or associated with
Cultural significance
Magdelena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #1144 in 1884 — currently #16680 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Magdelena?
Magdelena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Magdelena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Magdelena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Magdelena Mae
Sweet · timeless
Magdelena Claire
French influence · crisp
Magdelena Jane
Literary · strong
Magdelena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Magdelena right now?
Rising fast — up 105 spots — currently #16680 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #16680 | 5 | ▲ up 105 |
| 2022 | #16785 | 5 | ▼ down 4487 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #12298 | 8 | ▼ down 438 |
| 2005 | #11860 | 8 | ▲ up 1335 · +33% births |
| 2000 | #13195 | 6 | ▼ down 6123 · -50% births |
| 1995 | #7072 | 12 | ▲ up 5956 · +140% births |
| 1990 | #13028 | 5 | ▼ down 2553 |
| 1980 | #10475 | 5 | ▼ down 1335 |
| 1975 | #9140 | 5 | ▼ down 2538 |
| 1965 | #6602 | 5 | ▼ down 696 |
| 1955 | #5906 | 5 | — |
The story of Magdelena
Magdelena has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 356 total births recorded, Magdelena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5906 in 1955, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16680 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Magdelena in 1884:
Magdelena by decade
Magdelena peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 16 | |
| 1910s | 10 | |
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1950s | 22 | |
| 1960s | 11 | |
| 1970s | 28 | |
| 1980s | 36 | |
| 1990s ★ | 93 | |
| 2000s | 84 | |
| 2010s | 41 | |
💎Magdelena has only 356 total recorded births since 1884 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Magdelena?
What names sound and feel like Magdelena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Magdelena also consider these
Common questions about the name Magdelena
What does the name Magdelena mean?
Magdelena means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Spain 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 Magdelena?
Magdelena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Magdelena have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Magdelena?
Magdelena originates from Spain tradition. Spain 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 Magdelena?
Magdelena is a four-syllable name pronounced M AE1 G D EH1 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 Magdelena?
Magdelena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.