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Magdalena

♀ Girl

Pronounced mag-duh-LEE-nuh /ˌmæɡ.dəˈliː.nə/High

Meaning: Feminine form of Magdalene, from the Greek Magdalene meaning 'woman of Magdala', where Magdala is an ancient town on the Sea of Galilee whose name comes from the Aramaic magdala meaning 'tower' or 'elevated'High

In 30 seconds: Magdalena is the full, lyrical Latin and Spanish form of Magdalene, meaning woman from the tower — the title of Mary Magdalene, the most prominent woman in the Gospels outside of the Virgin Mary. Stately, musical, and rich with history.
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Origin HighHebrew, Aramaic
MeaningFeminine form of Magdalene, from the Greek Magdalene meaning 'woman of Magdala', where Magdala is an ancient town on the Sea of Galilee whose name comes from the Aramaic magdala meaning 'tower' or 'elevated'
U.S. rank (2025)#850 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births320 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 19,766

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Magdalena derives from the Greek Magdalene, meaning 'woman of Magdala'. Magdala was an ancient town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee whose Aramaic name meant 'tower' or 'elevated place'. Mary Magdalene — who followed Jesus, witnessed his crucifixion, and was first to encounter the risen Christ — made this name one of the most venerated in Christian tradition. The full form Magdalena is used in Spanish, Italian, Polish, and German.

Magdalena has been used throughout Catholic and Orthodox Christian Europe for centuries. In Poland it is consistently one of the most popular feminine names. In Spain and Latin America it remains a dignified classic. In the English-speaking world it is less common than the shorter Madeline or Magdalene, but its full, musical four-syllable form appeals to parents seeking a name of substance and beauty.

Did you know? Mary Magdalene — from whose name Magdalena derives — was the first person to witness the Resurrection of Jesus according to all four canonical Gospels, earning her the title 'Apostle to the Apostles' in early Christian tradition.
Overall data confidence 96%
Behind the Name — Magdalena — Aramaic and Greek etymologyOxford Dictionary of English Christian Names — Magdalene/Magdalena history

Variations

MagdaleneMadelineMadeleineMagda

Nicknames

MagdaLenaMaggieDali

Famous Bearers

  • ★Mary Magdalene (biblical)
    Biblical figure described as a devoted follower of Jesus and a witness to the Resurrection in the Gospels.
  • ★Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)
    Mexican painter known for her self-portraits incorporating elements of folk art and surrealism; known as Frida Kahlo.

If you like Magdalena…

Valentina— shares the four-syllable Latin-rooted feminine elegance
Evangeline— same flowing four-syllable Christian name with deep religious roots
Alexandrina— fellow grand, multi-syllable classical feminine name
Catalina— same Spanish cultural register and four-syllable lyrical quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Magdalena mean?

Magdalena means woman from Magdala, where Magdala comes from the Aramaic word for tower or elevated place.

How do you pronounce Magdalena?

It is said mag-duh-LEE-nuh, with four syllables.

Is Magdalena the same as Madeline?

Madeline is a French diminutive of Magdalene; Magdalena is the full Latin/Spanish form. They share the same root.

Is Magdalena a popular name?

Magdalena is common in Poland, Spain, and Latin America; it is less common but used in English-speaking countries.