Find out how popular the first name Magdala has been for the last 25 years (from 1981 to 2005) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Magdala by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Magdala is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2005, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Magdala.

The history of the first name Magdala

The name Magdala originates from the ancient Aramaic language, which was widely spoken in parts of the Middle East during the first century AD. It is derived from the word "Migdal," which means "tower" or "fortress." The name likely gained popularity in the region around the ancient town of Magdala, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

One of the most notable historical references to the name Magdala comes from the New Testament of the Bible. Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in the Gospels, is often referred to as "Mary of Magdala" or "Mary the Magdalene." She is described as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and was present at his crucifixion and resurrection.

The earliest recorded example of the name Magdala can be traced back to the first century AD, with Mary Magdalene being the most well-known bearer of the name from that time period. Throughout history, several other notable individuals have borne the name Magdala or variations of it.

In the 9th century, Magdala of Cordova, also known as Malha al-Qurutubiyyah, was a renowned Arabic poet and scholar who lived in the Umayyad Caliphate in modern-day Spain. She was celebrated for her contributions to Arabic literature and her expertise in various fields, including grammar and philology.

In the 12th century, Magdala of Valois (1201-1237) was a French noblewoman and the daughter of King Philip II of France. She was known for her piety and charitable works, and she established a convent in Paris.

During the Renaissance period, Magdala of Saxony (1507-1534) was a German princess and the daughter of Duke George the Bearded of Saxony. She was a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation and was a close confidante of Martin Luther.

In the 19th century, Magdala Hemleben (1856-1923) was a German feminist and social activist who campaigned for women's rights and worked to improve conditions for working-class women and children.

Another notable bearer of the name Magdala was Magdala Ayoub (1906-1992), a Lebanese writer and journalist who was known for her contributions to Arabic literature and her advocacy for women's education and empowerment in the Middle East.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Magdala was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Magdala, please contact us.

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