What does Magdelene mean and where does it come from?
Magdelene is derived from the name Magdalene, referring to Mary Magdalene, a biblical figure from the New Testament. The name is of Hebrew origin, spelled as מִגְדוֹלָה (Migdalah), and connects to a place in Galilee named Magdala. Magdelene has been used historically and is recognized for its religi
Cultural significance
Magdelene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of magdala.
Peak popularity
Reached #2744 in 1922 — currently #942 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Magdelene?
Magdelene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Magdelene Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Magdelene Rose
Floral · soft ending
Magdelene Mae
Sweet · timeless
Magdelene Claire
French influence · crisp
Magdelene Jane
Literary · strong
Magdelene Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Magdelene right now?
Holding steady — currently #942 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #942 | 1,258 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #947 | 1,238 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #952 | 1,208 | ▲ up 12322 · +20033% births |
| 2000 | #13274 | 6 | ▼ down 9995 · -40% births |
| 1925 | #3279 | 10 | ▲ up 946 · +43% births |
| 1920 | #4225 | 7 | ▼ down 1350 · -30% births |
| 1915 | #2875 | 10 | — |
The story of Magdelene
Magdelene entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 153 total births recorded, Magdelene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2875 in 1915 to #942 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Magdelene in 1922:
Magdelene by decade
Magdelene peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 27 | |
| 1920s ★ | 73 | |
| 1930s | 15 | |
| 1940s | 16 | |
| 1990s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 6 | |
💎Magdelene has only 153 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Magdelene?
What names sound and feel like Magdelene?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Magdelene also consider these
Common questions about the name Magdelene
What does the name Magdelene mean?
Magdelene means "of Magdala" — a name rooted in American 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 Magdelene?
Magdelene is currently ranked #942 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Magdelene?
Magdelene originates from American tradition. American 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 Magdelene?
Magdelene is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 G D AH0 L IY1 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 Magdelene?
Magdelene pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.