Maddalena is a feminine given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name Magdalen, which means "from Magdala" or "from the tower." Magdala was a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Palestine. The name Maddalena is often associated with Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus Christ's most prominent followers and the first witness to His resurrection according to Christian tradition.
The name Maddalena has been popular in Italy for centuries and continues to be widely used today. It was particularly prevalent during the Renaissance period, when many Italian artists depicted scenes from the life of Mary Magdalene and incorporated her name into their works.
Maddalena is often spelled in various ways depending on the country or region, including Maddalena, Maddalen, Maddaleno, and Maddalone. Some variations of the name also include Magdalena, Madalen, Magdalen, and Magdaleine.
Overall, Maddalena is a strong and historic name with deep religious roots, carrying the significance of faithfulness, devotion, and spiritual transformation.
The name Maddalena experienced a significant rise in popularity over the past century, with the most notable increase occurring around the late 1950s to early 1960s, and again around the mid-2010s. The highest number of births recorded was in 2015 with 35 newborn girls named Maddalena.