Meaning, origin, history
Magdalene is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "from Magdala." Magdala was a small fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Israel. The name Magdalene is often associated with Mary Magdalene, who was a follower of Jesus Christ and is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible.
The name Magdalene has been used throughout history, but it gained popularity during the Middle Ages when it became more common as a given name for women. In some cases, the name was given to girls born around Easter time or to those who were baptized on that day because Mary Magdalene is traditionally celebrated as a saint on Easter Sunday.
Today, Magdalene continues to be used as a given name for girls in many parts of the world. It has also inspired several variations and related names, such as Magdalena, Madeleine, and Maggie. Despite its historical significance and religious connotations, the name Magdalene can simply be chosen for its unique sound or its Hebrew origins without any specific religious affiliation.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Magdlene since 1880
Total births
46
Total since 1880
Peak year
1923
8 births
in 1939
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years