Magdalena

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Magdalena

Gender Girl
Origin Spanish
Letters 9
Syllables 4
Pronunciation MAG-duh-LAY-nuh

Magdalena, which has 9 letters and 4 syllables, is a female name of Spanish origin.

Meaning of Magdalena

Woman from magdala

Magdalena is a feminine name of Hebrew origin meaning “woman from Magdala”. Magdala was a town on the Sea of Galilee mentioned in the New Testament, and the name can also be interpreted to mean “tower” or “elevated”. The name is often shortened to Lena or Magda.

Save
Rate:
Be the first to rate!
Meaning Woman from magdala
Origin Spanish
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #838 in 2024 Rising Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Vintage (1900s)

Background & History of The Name Magdalena

The name Magdalena is of Latin origin and has a rich historical and cultural significance. It originates from the Hebrew name "Magdala," meaning "tower." Magdalena is most commonly associated with Mary Magdalene, a biblical figure known as one of Jesus Christ's followers. According to Christian tradition, Mary Magdalene played a significant role in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

In addition to its biblical connotations, the name Magdalena has acquired a widespread popularity as a given name in various cultures. It is particularly common in Spanish-speaking countries, where it is often shortened to "Magda" or "Magui." Other variations of the name include Magdalene, Madeline, Magda, Lena, and Lin.

People named Magdalena are often described as strong, independent, and empathetic individuals. They are known to possess great emotional intelligence and are often drawn to helping others. Magdalenas tend to be natural leaders, utilizing their strong sense of intuition and profound understanding of human nature to guide and inspire those around them.

The popularity of the name Magdalena has extended beyond individuals and has been used to name various geographical locations, literary characters, and artworks. For example, the Chilean city of Magdalena del Mar, located in the capital city of Santiago, pays homage to the name. In literature, Magdalena is a recurring character in Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude," representing resilience and passion.

Overall, the name Magdalena carries a rich history, religious significance, and cultural diversity. Whether as a biblical reference or a contemporary given name, Magdalena continues to be cherished and celebrated for its timeless beauty and inspiring qualities.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Magdalena over the years.

Check Initials

See what initials Magdalena would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Magdalena.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names