Find out how popular the first name Magen has been for the last 40 years (from 1974 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Magen by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Magen is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Magen.

The history of the first name Magen

The given name Magen originates from the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew word "magen," which means "shield" or "protector." The name has its roots in ancient Semitic languages and can be traced back to the biblical era.

In the Hebrew Bible, the word "magen" is often used metaphorically to describe God as a shield or protector for the faithful. The name Magen may have been given to children as a symbol of divine protection or as a wish for the child to be a guardian or defender.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Magen can be found in the Book of Samuel, where it is mentioned as the name of one of the sons of Aholiab, a skilled artisan who worked on the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. However, it is difficult to determine the exact time period when the name first came into use.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Magen. One of the most famous was Magen Avraham (1633-1709), a prominent rabbi and author from Poland who wrote a widely respected commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, a code of Jewish law.

Another influential figure was Magen David (1856-1925), a Russian-born Zionist leader who played a crucial role in the early stages of the Zionist movement and advocated for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

In the field of literature, Magen Vavilov (1923-2020) was a celebrated Soviet-Israeli writer and poet who wrote extensively about the experience of Jewish immigrants in Israel.

Magen Avraham Levi (1881-1942) was a prominent Sephardic rabbi and scholar from Turkey who served as the Chief Rabbi of Istanbul and wrote several influential works on Jewish law and tradition.

Magen Moshayev (1936-2003) was an Israeli singer and actor who gained immense popularity in his home country and is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Israeli popular music.

These examples demonstrate the diverse range of individuals who have carried the name Magen throughout history, spanning various fields and eras. The name's connection to the concepts of protection and guardianship has likely contributed to its enduring appeal within the Jewish community and beyond.

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

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

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