Magdalen
Magdalen is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Person from Magdala; elevated, tower.
Origin and history
Magdalen is a traditional English form derived from the Greek name Magdalene, meaning 'of Magdala', a town on the Sea of Galilee. It is best known for its association with Mary Magdalene in Christian tradition. While historically recognizable, it remains a relatively rare choice in contemporary U.S. naming.
Popularity in the United States
3,267 babies in the United States have been named Magdalen since 1880. It ranks #3113 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2028.
States where it is most popular
- PA (25.5 %)
- MN (13.1 %)
- NY (11.6 %)
- ND (10.9 %)
- WI (10.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 94 |
| 1890-1900 | 219 |
| 1900-1910 | 228 |
| 1910-1920 | 579 |
| 1920-1930 | 548 |
| 1930-1940 | 252 |
| 1940-1950 | 154 |
| 1950-1960 | 138 |
| 1960-1970 | 77 |
| 1970-1980 | 55 |
| 1980-1990 | 95 |
| 1990-2000 | 186 |
| 2000-2010 | 339 |
| 2010-2019 | 230 |
| 2020-2029 | 73 |
Nicknames
Maggie, Lena, Mags
Fun facts
- The place name Magdala derives from an Aramaic word meaning 'tower'.
- Spelled Magdalen or Magdalene, the name is famous for Magdalen College at Oxford University.