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Almudena
Pronounced ahl-moo-DEH-nah /ɑl.muˈde.nɑ/Medium
Meaning: Almudena is a Spanish name taken from Nuestra Senora de la Almudena, the Virgin of the Almudena, patroness of Madrid. The word comes from Arabic al-mudayna, 'the citadel', after the city wall where an image of the Virgin was said to have been found. We note this devotional heritage respectfully.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Almudena comes from Nuestra Senora de la Almudena, the Virgin of the Almudena and patroness of Madrid, whose cathedral stands beside the Royal Palace. Tradition tells that an image of the Virgin, hidden in the city wall during the Muslim period, was rediscovered when the wall was breached in the eleventh century — and the name follows Arabic al-mudayna, 'the citadel'. Spanish families give the name in her honor, and we note that devotion respectfully (said 'ahl-moo-DEH-nah').
It appears only rarely in the U.S., while remaining familiar in Spain, especially in Madrid. Rare here, devotional, and stately.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Almudena mean?
Almudena comes from the Virgin of the Almudena, patroness of Madrid; the word itself is Arabic al-mudayna, 'the citadel'.
How do you pronounce Almudena?
It's said ahl-moo-DEH-nah /ɑl.muˈde.nɑ/ — four syllables, stress on the third.
Is Almudena a boy or girl name?
Almudena is a girl's name.
How popular is Almudena?
Almudena is rare in the U.S., while it remains well used in Spain.