Magdalena is a feminine given name of Latin origin that has been used throughout history and across various cultures. The name is derived from the Hebrew name "Magdal-ene", which means "tower" or "magnificat". It is believed to have originated from the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, who was a follower of Jesus Christ and is considered a saint in several Christian denominations.
The name Magdalena has been popular throughout history, with notable historical figures such as Empress Maria Leopoldine of Austria (1797-1848), who was known as Magdalena in her youth. The name has also been used in literature and art, such as in the character Magdalena Schlegel in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's novel "Die Wahlverwandtschaften".
In terms of its usage today, Magdalena is most commonly found in Spain, where it ranks among the top 100 names for girls. It is also popular in other Spanish-speaking countries and in some Eastern European countries such as Poland and Hungary.
Overall, Magdalena is a name with a rich history and cultural significance that has been passed down through generations. Its meaning of "tower" or "magnificat" suggests strength and grandeur, making it a powerful choice for a girl's name.
The name Magdalena has seen a significant increase in popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. In the late 19th century, there were relatively few births with this name each year, ranging from as low as 19 births in 1880 to a peak of 58 births in 1893.
However, beginning in the mid-20th century, we start to see a significant increase in the number of Magdalena births. In 1948, there were 120 babies named Magdalena, which was already more than triple the previous high point of 58 births in 1893.
This upward trend continued throughout the remainder of the century, with the highest number of Magdalena births occurring in 2004, when 312 girls were given this name. Since then, the popularity of the name has fluctuated but has remained consistently high compared to previous decades.
Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 19,118 babies named Magdalena born in the United States. This represents a substantial increase from the earliest years when this name was relatively uncommon.