Magdalene
Magdalene: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmæɡdəlin/ · /ˈmeɪ̯ɡdəlin/
Meaning and origin of Magdalene
- A female given name from Hebrew.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Μαγδαληνή (Magdalēnḗ, “woman from Magdala”), byname of the biblical Mary Magdalene, "Mary of Magdala", from Μαγδαλά (Magdalá), the name of a village on Lake Galilee (the name of which derives from Hebrew מגדל (migdál, “tower”)). Generic use comes from the traditional association of Mary Magdalene with the "woman which was a sinner" mentioned in Luke 7:37. Doublet of Madeleine, Magdalen, Magdalena, and Maudlin.
How popular is Magdalene?
Since 1880, 9,994 girls in the U.S. have been named Magdalene. Its highest rank for girls was #432 in 1904. In 2025, 165 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Magdalene
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew girl names
Sibling name ideas for Magdalene
Sister and brother names that share Magdalene's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Magdalene FAQ
What does the name Magdalene mean?
A female given name from Hebrew. From Ancient Greek Μαγδαληνή (Magdalēnḗ, “woman from Magdala”), byname of the biblical Mary Magdalene, "Mary of Magdala", from Μαγδαλά (Magdalá), the name of a village on Lake Galilee (the name of which derives from Hebrew מגדל (migdál, “tower”)). Generic use comes from the traditional association of Mary Magdalene with the "woman which was a sinner" mentioned in Luke 7:37. Doublet of Madeleine, Magdalen, Magdalena, and Maudlin.
What is the origin of the name Magdalene?
Magdalene is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Magdalene?
Since 1880, 9,994 girls in the U.S. have been named Magdalene. Its highest rank for girls was #432 in 1904. In 2025, 165 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Magdalene a boy or girl name?
Magdalene is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 9,994 girls and 0 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.