Find out how popular the first name Magdalena has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Magdalena by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Magdalena is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Magdalena being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 293 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Magdalena.

The history of the first name Magdalena

Magdalena is a feminine given name derived from the ancient Aramaic name Migdal, meaning "tower" or "fortress." The name has its roots in the Hebrew Bible, where it appears as the name of a town in the region of Galilee. It gained widespread popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, primarily due to its association with Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in the New Testament.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Magdalena can be traced back to the 4th century, when Saint Mary Magdalene was venerated as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Her name was often invoked in religious texts and liturgies, contributing to the name's widespread adoption among Christian communities.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Magdalena. One of the most famous was Magdalena of Valois (1443-1495), a French princess who married Gaston de Foix, the Count of Candalle. Another prominent figure was Magdalena of Brandenburg (1487-1534), a German princess who played a significant role in the Reformation movement.

In the realm of arts and literature, Magdalena Ventura (1766-1846) was a renowned Italian poet and writer who gained recognition for her sonnets and lyrical compositions. The name also appears in the works of renowned authors, such as the character Magdalena in the novel "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera.

The name Magdalena also holds significance in the world of music. Magdalena Kozená (born 1973) is a celebrated Czech mezzo-soprano who has performed in prestigious opera houses around the world. Additionally, Magdalena Baczewska (1794-1858) was a Polish composer and pianist renowned for her contributions to the development of Polish national music.

While the name Magdalena has maintained its popularity throughout the centuries, it has also undergone various spellings and variations across different cultures and languages. Some examples include Madeleine in French, Maddalena in Italian, and Magdalena in Spanish and Portuguese.

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 Magdalena was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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