Girl · Hebrew · New Testament · Biblically inspired

Magdalena

mag-duh-LAY-nuh · means “Of Magdala, tower”

Magdalena is the Latin, Spanish, and Italian form referencing Mary Magdalene, whose surname comes from Migdal, meaning "tower," the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. It is not a first name found in Scripture on its own, but it directly honors Mary Magdalene, the first person to see the risen Jesus.

“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.”

The story behind the name

Magdalena has long been common across Spain, Italy, and Latin America, and it has slowly gained recognition in English-speaking countries, valued for its rich history and musical rhythm.

Mary Magdalene appears in the Gospels as a woman Jesus freed from seven demons (Luke 8:2), after which she became one of His most devoted followers, helping support His ministry and standing near the cross when almost everyone else had fled (John 19:25).

On the third day, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found it empty, and Jesus Himself appeared to her there, the very first person to see Him risen. She ran and told the disciples, "I have seen the Lord" (John 20:18). A daughter named Magdalena carries a name of fierce devotion and the honor of being first to carry the best news in history.

Middle names that sing with Magdalena

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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