Magdalen is a unique and elegant given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Magdalene," which means "from Magdal-nen." The name is believed to have been borne by Mary Magdalen, a follower of Jesus Christ who was present at his crucifixion and resurrection according to the New Testament.
In addition to its biblical origins, the name Magdalen has also been associated with several historical figures throughout history. One notable example is Saint Magdalen of Nagasaki, a Japanese martyr who was canonized in 1862 for her faith during a time of religious persecution.
The name Magdalen has been used as a given name since medieval times and has been particularly popular in English-speaking countries such as England, Ireland, and the United States. It is often associated with intelligence, sophistication, and creativity, reflecting the qualities of its historical figures and biblical origins.
Today, Magdalen remains a distinctive and appealing name choice for parents looking to give their daughter a unique and meaningful name. Its rich history and elegant sound make it a timeless option that continues to be loved by many.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Magdalen has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1880 to 1957, there was a notable fluctuation in the number of births with the name Magdalen. The highest peak during this period occurred in 1914 with 62 births, followed by another peak in 1915 with 92 births. However, the numbers gradually decreased over time, reaching as low as 5 births in 1960.
After a period of low popularity, there was a resurgence in the use of the name Magdalen from 1985 onwards. The number of births increased steadily, with peaks occurring in 2000 (34 births), 2001 (41 births), and 2006 (51 births). Despite these peaks, the overall trend remained relatively stable and did not reach the same heights as the early 1900s.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Magdalen has fluctuated again. There were 30 births in 2016, followed by a decrease to 19 births in 2017 and further decreases to 8 births in 2021 and 15 births in 2022.
In total, there have been 3,242 births with the name Magdalen recorded in the United States since 1880. Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, it is evident that the name Magdalen has maintained a consistent presence in the U.S. baby naming landscape throughout the years.