"woman from Magdala"
Origin: Hebrew Migdal (tower)
Language: Hebrew
Magdalena
Pronunciation: [ m-agd-uhl-EEN-uh ]
Does Magdalena flow with your last name?
A majestic saint name meaning tower of God
Spanish
Polish
Czech
Slovak
German
Latin American
Classic
Elegant
Spiritual
Sophisticated
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"tower of God"
Origin: Hebrew Migdal-El
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Magdalena
Magdalena derives from the Hebrew Migdal-El meaning tower of God, the name of the ancient town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. Mary Magdalene, one of the most prominent disciples of Jesus and the first witness to his resurrection, was from this town. Her name passed through Greek (Magdalene) and Latin (Magdalena) to become widespread across Christian Europe.
Magdalena remains popular in Spanish-speaking countries, Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany. In the United States, it appears primarily in Hispanic and Eastern European communities. Its shortenings Magda and Lena make it highly usable in everyday life.
Mary Magdalene holds a unique place in Christian theology as the first witness to the Resurrection, giving Magdalena deep devotional significance. She has been a central figure in art, depicted in countless masterpieces by Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Klimt. In Spain, the feast of Santa Maria Magdalena (July 22) is celebrated with particular devotion.
Historical Record
Magdalena first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 15,310 babies have been named Magdalena in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Magdalena is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #836 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mary Magdalene is described in all four Gospels as the first person to whom the resurrected Jesus appeared
- The word maudlin (meaning tearfully sentimental) derives from Magdalene - based on artistic depictions of Mary Magdalene weeping
Magdalena in Other Languages
Czech
Magdalena
French
Madeleine
German
Magdalena
Polish
Magdalena
English
Magdalene/Madeline
Italian
Maddalena
Spanish
Magdalena
Popularity Over Time
#836
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Magdalena
M
Magdalena Frackowiak
Other
1984
Polish supermodel and Victoria's Secret Angel
M
Magda Szabo
Writer
1917
Hungarian novelist considered one of the greatest Hungarian writers of the 20th century
M
Mary Magdalene
Religious
First-century Jewish woman disciple of Jesus and first witness to the Resurrection, one of the most venerated saints in ...
First-century Jewish woman disciple of Jesus and first witness to the Resurrection, one of the most venerated saints in Christian tradition
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Compare Magdalena with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #836
- Total SSA Count
- 321
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Polish Czech Slovak German Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Magda
Lena
Maggie
Mada
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 4-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Latin American heritage match, balanced 4-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Magdalena
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Magdalena is also used as a boy name, ranked #25392.
View Magdalena as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Magdalena
What does the name Magdalena mean?
"woman from Magdala" (from Hebrew Migdal (tower)). "tower of God" (from Hebrew Migdal-El). Magdalena derives from the Hebrew Migdal-El meaning tower of God, the name of the ancient town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. Mary Magdalene, one of the most prominent disciples of Jesus and the first witness to his resurrection, was from this town. Her name passed through Greek (Magdalene) and Latin (Magdalena) to become widespread across Christian Europe.
What is the origin of the name Magdalena?
Magdalena has Hebrew Migdal (tower), Hebrew Migdal-El, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Slovak, German, and Latin American origins. In Hebrew Migdal (tower), it means "woman from Magdala". In Hebrew Migdal-El, it means "tower of God".
Is Magdalena a boy or girl name?
Magdalena is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #836. As a boy name, it is ranked #25392. Magdalena is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Magdalena?
Magdalena is pronounced m-agd-uhl-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Magdalena?
Magdalena is currently ranked #836 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Magdalena?
Common nicknames for Magdalena include Magda, Lena, Maggie, and Mada.
What are good middle names for Magdalena?
Popular middle name pairings include Magdalena Sofia, Magdalena Elena, Magdalena Rose, Magdalena Victoria, Magdalena Clara, Magdalena Isabel, and Magdalena Alexandra.
What are good sibling names for Magdalena?
Names that pair well with Magdalena as siblings include Sebastiana, Catalina, Rafael, Sebastian, Matthias, Beatrice, and Leonardo.
How many syllables does Magdalena have?
Magdalena has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Magdalena a common or rare name?
Magdalena is moderately common, ranked #836 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Magdalena?
Are there other spellings for Magdalena?
Related spellings include Magdalene.
About the Name Magdalena
Magdalena is a girl name with Spanish, Polish, Czech, Slovak, German, and Latin American origins . The name means "woman from Magdala" in Hebrew Migdal (tower) .
Is Magdalena a boy or girl name? Magdalena is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #836 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #25,392. Magdalena is more commonly used as a girl name.
Magdalena is currently ranked #836 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Magdalena has 4 syllables and is pronounced m-agd-uhl-EEN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Magdalena include Magda, Lena, Maggie, and Mada. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Magdalena include Magdalene . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis