The name Magali has its origins in the Occitan language, which was historically spoken in southern France and parts of Italy and Spain. It is derived from the Germanic name Amalrich, which means "work ruler" or "powerful ruler." The name Magali likely emerged as a diminutive or nickname form of Amalrich during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Magali can be found in the 12th-century Occitan poem "Cantar de la Crozada" ("Song of the Crusade"), which mentions a character named Magali. This suggests that the name was in use in the region of Occitania during that time period.

In the 19th century, the name Magali gained further popularity due to its inclusion in the 1859 French novel "Mirèio" by Frédéric Mistral. The novel's titular character, Mirèio, has a close friend named Magali, which helped to solidify the name's association with the Provençal region of southern France.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Magali. One of the earliest was Magali de la Tour (c. 1190-1257), a French noblewoman who served as the Countess of Angoulême and Regent of Angoulême during the 13th century.

Another famous Magali was Magali Lena (1890-1986), a French actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions in the early 20th century. She was particularly known for her roles in operettas and musical comedies.

In the field of sports, Magali Aravena (born 1977) is a Chilean former professional tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of No. 27 in the world in 2003. She won two singles titles and four doubles titles on the WTA Tour.

Magali Noël (born 1971) is a French singer and actress who rose to prominence in the 1990s with her pop and dance music. She has released several successful albums and has also acted in various French television series and films.

Lastly, Magali Amadei (born 1975) is a French politician who has served as a member of the National Assembly, representing the department of Bouches-du-Rhône since 2017. She is affiliated with the political party La République En Marche!