Magdalene is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "from Magdala." Magdala was a small fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Israel. The name Magdalene is often associated with Mary Magdalene, who was a follower of Jesus Christ and is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible.
The name Magdalene has been used throughout history, but it gained popularity during the Middle Ages when it became more common as a given name for women. In some cases, the name was given to girls born around Easter time or to those who were baptized on that day because Mary Magdalene is traditionally celebrated as a saint on Easter Sunday.
Today, Magdalene continues to be used as a given name for girls in many parts of the world. It has also inspired several variations and related names, such as Magdalena, Madeleine, and Maggie. Despite its historical significance and religious connotations, the name Magdalene can simply be chosen for its unique sound or its Hebrew origins without any specific religious affiliation.
Magdalene is a unique and timeless name that has seen its fair share of popularity over the decades. In the United States alone, there were a total of 46 babies named Magdalene between the years of 1920 and 1939.
The peak years for this name's popularity during this time period were in 1923 with 8 births, and again in 1926 and 1930 with 6 births each. This indicates that Magdalene was quite popular among parents during these specific years.
However, there were also several years where the name Magdalene was given to only a handful of babies. In fact, from 1921 to 1922 and again in 1935 to 1939, there were only 5 births each year with this name. This suggests that while Magdalene may have been popular at certain times, it was not consistently so throughout the entire decade.
Despite its ups and downs in popularity, Magdalene remains a distinctive and memorable name with a rich history. Its unique spelling and pronunciation set it apart from more common names, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for something special for their child. Whether you're drawn to its vintage charm or simply appreciate its distinctiveness, Magdalene is certainly worth considering as a name option.