"from Magdala, tower"
Origin: Aramaic/Hebrew
Language: English
Magdalene
Pronunciation: [ m-AGD-uhl-een ]
Does Magdalene flow with your last name?
Biblical depth and medieval grandeur in one magnificent name
Christian
European
English
German
Polish
Vintage
Literary
Spiritual
Elegant
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"elevated, great one"
Origin: Aramaic
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the Magdalene Asylums (laundries) in Ireland, institutions where unmarried mothers were sent; a significant part of Irish/Catholic history
The Story of Magdalene
Magdalene derives from the Aramaic 'Magdala,' the name of a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name means 'tower' or 'elevated, great' — referring to the town's prominent position. Mary Magdalene, one of the most significant figures in the New Testament, was called 'Magdalene' to distinguish her from other Marys. This makes Magdalene one of the few names in English directly borrowed from a place name that refers to a biblical geography.
Magdalene has never been a common given name in the English-speaking world, used primarily in strongly Catholic communities. It has seen a quiet revival among parents seeking deeply historical names with spiritual gravitas. The success of names like Madeleine and Madeline has opened the door for the fuller, more dramatic Magdalene.
Mary Magdalene holds a singular place in Christian tradition — a devoted follower of Jesus who was the first witness to the Resurrection. For centuries she was mischaracterized as a reformed prostitute (not supported by scripture), but modern scholarship and the Church have rehabilitated her legacy. She is venerated as 'Apostle to the Apostles' in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Historical Record
Magdalene first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,542 babies have been named Magdalene in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Magdalene is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,415 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mary Magdalene is described in the Gospels as the first person to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection
- The name Magdalene gave rise to the English word 'maudlin,' meaning tearfully sentimental, from depictions of a weeping Mary Magdalene
- Magdalen College, Oxford (pronounced 'maudlin') was founded in 1458 and is one of the most prestigious colleges in the world
Magdalene in Other Languages
French
Madeleine
German
Magdalena
Polish
Magdalena
Italian
Maddalena
Russian
Магдалена
Spanish
Magdalena
Popularity Over Time
#1,415
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Magdalene
M
Magdalene Albright
Politician
1937
American diplomat and first female U.S. Secretary of State, born Marie Jana Korbelova (went by Madeleine)
M
Mary Magdalene
Religious
First-century Jewish woman who was one of Jesus's most devoted followers and the first witness to the Resurrection; vene...
First-century Jewish woman who was one of Jesus's most devoted followers and the first witness to the Resurrection; venerated as a saint in Christianity
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Compare Magdalene with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #1,415
- Total SSA Count
- 157
- Cultural Origins
- Christian European English German Polish
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Maggie
Maddie
Lena
Magda
Mags
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Magdalene
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Magdalene
What does the name Magdalene mean?
"from Magdala, tower" (from Aramaic/Hebrew). "elevated, great one" (from Aramaic). Magdalene derives from the Aramaic 'Magdala,' the name of a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name means 'tower' or 'elevated, great' — referring to the town's prominent position. Mary Magdalene, one of the most significant figures in the New Testament, was called 'Magdalene' to distinguish her from other Marys. This makes Magdalene one of the few names in English directly borrowed from a place name that refers to a biblical geography.
What is the origin of the name Magdalene?
Magdalene has Aramaic/Hebrew, Aramaic, Christian, European, English, German, and Polish origins. In Aramaic/Hebrew, it means "from Magdala, tower". In Aramaic, it means "elevated, great one".
Is Magdalene a boy or girl name?
Magdalene is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Magdalene?
Magdalene is pronounced m-AGD-uhl-een.
How popular is the name Magdalene?
Magdalene is currently ranked #1415 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Magdalene?
Common nicknames for Magdalene include Maggie, Maddie, Lena, Magda, and Mags.
What are good middle names for Magdalene?
Popular middle name pairings include Magdalene Rose, Magdalene Claire, Magdalene Grace, Magdalene Ann, Magdalene Frances, Magdalene Jane, and Magdalene Elise.
What are good sibling names for Magdalene?
Names that pair well with Magdalene as siblings include Josephine, Miriam, Beatrice, Cecilia, Evangeline, Sebastian, and Raphael.
How many syllables does Magdalene have?
Magdalene has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Magdalene a common or rare name?
Magdalene is an uncommon name, ranked #1415 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Magdalene?
Are there other spellings for Magdalene?
Related spellings include Magdalena.
About the Name Magdalene
Magdalene is a girl name with Christian, European, English, German, and Polish origins . The name means "from Magdala, tower" in Aramaic/Hebrew .
Magdalene is currently ranked #1,415 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Magdalene has 4 syllables and is pronounced m-AGD-uhl-een, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Magdalene include Maggie, Maddie, Lena, Magda, and Mags. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Magdalene include Magdalena . 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