Magdala is a unique and captivating name of Hebrew origin. Derived from the word "magdalene," which means "of Magdala," this name holds significant historical and biblical importance.
Magdala was an ancient fishing village located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in present-day Israel. It is believed to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, a prominent figure in Christianity who was present at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, she is often referred to as "Magdalene" to distinguish her from other women named Mary.
The name Magdala has been used sparsely throughout history but has experienced a revival in recent years due to its rich biblical association and unique sound. It is considered an attractive option for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
In the Hebrew language, Magdala is pronounced as /maɡˈdɑːlə/ or /mæɡˈdɑːlə/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The name does not have any specific gender association in Hebrew culture, making it an appealing choice for parents who wish to give their child a unisex name.
In summary, Magdala is a captivating and historically significant name of Hebrew origin, derived from the ancient fishing village where Mary Magdalene was born. Its unique sound and biblical association make it an attractive naming option for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Magdala has seen a varied trend of usage over the years in the United States. Between 1981 and 2005, there were a total of 65 babies named Magdala born in the U.S.
In 1981 and 1982, there were 5 births each year, showing that the name was used with some consistency during those years. However, there was a notable increase in popularity in 1984, with 10 births recorded that year. This spike could suggest that Magdala might have been influenced by trends or events of that time.
The mid-1980s and early 1990s saw the name's usage fluctuate, with 13 births in 1986, followed by a decrease to 7 births in 1991. This trend continued into the late 1990s, with only 5 births each year from 1993 to 1995.
Interestingly, there was another uptick in usage around the early 2000s, with 6 births recorded in both 2001 and 2005. This could indicate a resurgence of interest in the name during this period.
Overall, while Magdala has not been one of the most common names used in the U.S., its usage has shown some consistency over time, with fluctuations that may reflect broader trends or influences on naming choices.