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Malena
♀ Girl
Pronounced muh-LAY-nuh /məˈleɪ.nə/High
Meaning: of the sea, of MagdalaMedium
In 30 seconds: Malena is a Scandinavian shortened form of Magdalena, meaning of Magdala (near the sea). A lyrical three-syllable name with a beautiful melancholy romance.
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Meaningof the sea, of Magdala
U.S. rank (2025)#2271 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births81 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2004
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,058
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
Malena is a Scandinavian and Spanish short form of Magdalena (from Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee).
Malena is used in Scandinavia, Spain, and internationally. The Italian/Spanish cultural associations give it a romantic Mediterranean quality.
Did you know? The 2000 Italian film Malena starring Monica Bellucci made this name synonymous with Mediterranean feminine beauty — the film's haunting portrait cemented Malena as a name of irresistible allure.
Overall data confidence 75%
Behind the Name: Malena — name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database — U.S. popularity data
Variations
MagdalenaMarlenaMalina
Nicknames
MaleLena
Famous Bearers
- ★Malèna Scordia (fictional)Title character of Giuseppe Tornatore's 2000 Italian film Malèna, a beautiful young Sicilian woman played by Monica Bellucci.
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By meaningSea / Water
Frequently Asked
What does Malena mean?
Malena means of the sea, of Magdala.
How do you pronounce Malena?
Malena is pronounced muh-LAY-nuh (/məˈleɪ.nə/), with 3 syllables.
Is Malena a girl's name?
Yes, Malena is used as a girl's name.
How popular is the name Malena?
Scandinavian form of Magdalena; Magdala/sea meaning well established.