Madalena is a unique and captivating name of Portuguese origin. Derived from the Hebrew name Magdalen, which means "from Magdala," a city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Madalena carries a rich history and cultural significance.
In the Bible, Mary Magdalene, also known as simply Magdalene or Maddalena in Italian, is one of Jesus' most loyal disciples. She was present at his crucifixion and resurrection, making her an important figure in Christian tradition. This biblical connection has undoubtedly influenced the name's popularity throughout history, particularly in Portuguese-speaking countries.
The name Madalena first appeared in Portugal during the Middle Ages, where it was used among the nobility. Over time, it became more widespread and can now be found across various parts of Europe, as well as in Brazil, due to Portuguese colonization.
While some variations exist, such as Magdalene or Maddalena, Madalena remains a distinct and elegant name with deep roots in history and culture. Today, it continues to be chosen by parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their children, carrying on the legacy of this timeless appellation.
The name Madalena has been given to a total of 794 babies born in the United States between 1911 and 2023, according to the available statistics.
Looking at the year-to-year data, we can observe that the number of births with the name Madalena varied significantly over time. The earliest years on record show a low number of births, with only 5 in 1911 and between 5 to 7 births per year until 1936.
However, starting from 1936, we see an increase in the number of Madalenas born each year, reaching a peak of 28 births in 2010. This trend continues through the late 1990s and early 2000s, with several years exceeding 20 births.
From 2004 onwards, the popularity of the name Madalena seems to have stabilized, with an average of around 15-20 births per year. The most recent data shows that in 2023, there were 20 births with this name, indicating a consistent level of popularity for Madalena as a baby girl's name in the United States.
In summary, while the name Madalena may not have been extremely popular throughout its history in the U.S., it has experienced periods of increased usage and maintains a steady presence among baby names today.