Holding steady.
Popularity of Magdelena since 1884
Babies named Magdelena per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1993, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Magdelena's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 16 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 10 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 22 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 93 |
| 2000s | 84 |
| 2010s | 42 |
| 2020s | 10 |
Meaning & origin
Magdelena is a rare variant spelling of Magdalena that has seen very limited use. First recorded in 1884 with 11 births, the name has not appeared in the U.S. Social Security data for most years since. Its trajectory is stable, meaning it has not experienced any significant resurgence or decline in use over time. The name did not rank in the top 1000 in any year, and its peak was in 1884, which was also its only year of record. There are no top states associated with this name, as its usage was isolated. For parents seeking a name with historical roots but modern rarity, Magdelena offers a distinct alternative to more common forms like Madeline or Magdalena.
Magdelena is a spelling variant of Magdalena, the Latin form of the Greek Magdalenē, which in turn derives from the Hebrew migdal, meaning 'tower.' The name is ultimately linked to Mary Magdalene, who was from the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. The name has been used across Europe in various forms since the Middle Ages, often in honor of the biblical figure.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maggie, Lena, Maddy
Sibling names for Magdelena
Names that share Magdelena's style, for a brother or sister.
