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Home › Baby Names Directory › Magdalene

Magdalene

♀ Girl

Pronounced MAG-dah-leen /ˈmæɡ.də.liːn/Low

Meaning: She of Magdala, woman of the towerLow

In 30 seconds: Magdalene is the name of one of the most important figures in the Gospels — Mary Magdalene, the devoted follower of Jesus who was first to witness the Resurrection. The name means she of Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee.
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Origin LowHebrew, Greek
MeaningShe of Magdala, woman of the tower
U.S. rank (2025)#1345 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births165 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1923
Total births (all-time)≈ 9,993

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192318802025

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

Magdalene derives from the Hebrew place name Magdala meaning tower or elevated place on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Mary Magdalene was identified by her hometown. The name has been used in Christian communities since antiquity.

Magdalene is a stately, classical name making a return as parents seek longer, more substantial names. The nickname Magda is fashionable in Europe; Lena and Maddie are accessible English-language short forms.

Did you know? Mary Magdalene has been called the Apostle to the Apostles because she was entrusted with proclaiming the Resurrection to the other disciples — the first and most important witness to Christianity's central event.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Magdalene

Variations

MagdalenaMadeleineMadelineMagda

Nicknames

MagdaLenaMaddie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Mary Magdalene (biblical)
    Follower of Jesus and first witness of the Resurrection in the Gospels, called the 'Apostle to the Apostles'

If you like Magdalene…

Madeleine— French form of same root
Magdalena— Spanish/Italian form of same name
Elena— Three-syllable classic feminine name of same elegance
Maryanne— echoes that soft -ne sound
Angeline— shares the -ne ending

Explore names like Magdalene

By themehebrewbiblicalclassicthree-syllablesaintchristian

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does Magdalene mean?

Magdalene means she of Magdala, referring to a town on the Sea of Galilee whose name means tower or elevated place.

Who was Mary Magdalene?

Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus who was first to witness the Resurrection and is called the Apostle to the Apostles.

How do you pronounce Magdalene?

Magdalene is pronounced MAG-dah-leen with three syllables.

What are nicknames for Magdalene?

Nicknames include Magda, Lena, and Maddie.

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