Origin and Meaning of Magdalene

Of Magdala; tower

Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name Migdal, which means 'tower', combined with a reference to Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee.

• Magdalene is notably recognized as the name of Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as a pivotal figure in the New Testament.
• The name has been used in various forms across different cultures, such as Magdalena (Spanish), Madeleine (French), and Magda (Polish).
• Notable bearers include Mary Magdalene from the Bible and several saints throughout Christianity, as well as modern references in literature and pop culture.
• The name experienced fluctuating popularity, often peaking in the early 20th century before seeing a resurgence in recent years due to interest in biblical names.
• Variations of Magdalene include Magdalena, Magdalen, and even Madeline; these names have distinct cultural significance and separate popularity trends.