MallowbyNames

Magdeline

MAG-duh-leen · of Magdala, a village on the Sea of Galilee

Peak popularity
1918
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Magdeline since 1912

Babies named Magdeline per year in U.S. Social Security records.

71320192019602000Most births 1918Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s94
1920s115
1930s72
1940s23
1950s42
1960s42
1970s5
1980s32
1990s59
2000s97
2010s38
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Magdeline is a variant of the classic biblical name Magdalene, first recorded in the United States in 1912. Despite its long history, Magdeline has never cracked the top 1000 names, and its usage has remained stable over the decades. The name experienced its peak year in 1918, during a time when many traditional names were popular. Today, Magdeline remains a rare but recognizable choice, often seen as a more elaborate form of Madeline or Magdalene. It carries the religious and historical weight of Mary Magdalene, making it a name with deep roots in Christian tradition.

Magdeline is a variant of Magdalene, derived from the Greek Μαγδαληνή (Magdalene), meaning 'woman from Magdala.' Magdala was a village on the Sea of Galilee, and the name is most famously associated with Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, often in honor of the saint.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Maggie, Lena, Dell, Maddy

Variants: Magdalene, Magdalen, Magdalena, Madeline

Sibling names for Magdeline

Names that share Magdeline's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Magdeline, our favorite little girl.

M is for Magdeline…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Magdeline's letter becomes Magdeline's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Magdeline's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Magdeline mean?
Magdeline means 'of Magdala,' referring to the village on the Sea of Galilee in ancient Israel.
How popular is Magdeline today?
Magdeline has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 in recent decades. Its latest recorded year is 2025, but no rank or one-in-N data is available.
Is Magdeline a girl's name?
Yes, Magdeline is traditionally a feminine name, derived from the feminine Magdalene.