Magdalena
of Magdala, tower (Hebrew/Aramaic via Latin/Spanish)
Magdalena is a biblical / spanish girl name in the Philippines. In the civil registry as of May 2021 it is number 263, with 29,810 records. It has 4 syllables.
Origin and meaning
of Magdala, tower (Hebrew/Aramaic via Latin/Spanish)
Magdalena is a classic Christian name derived from Saint Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. Introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era, it became a standard baptismal name, often combined with Maria. It remains widely recognized throughout the country, historically associated with traditional and devout Catholic naming conventions.
Derived from the New Testament figure Mary Magdalene, meaning 'of Magdala' (an Aramaic/Hebrew place name from 'migdal', meaning 'tower'). It entered the Philippines primarily through Spanish Catholic missionary traditions.
Name character
In the Philippines
Frequently used as part of the compound name 'Maria Magdalena'. Common Filipino nicknames include Magda, Lena, Nena, or Mely. In popular culture, the name is also famously associated with Freddie Aguilar's classic OPM folk song 'Magdalena'.
Related forms
- Magdalena Spanish
- Madeline English
- Madeleine French
- Maddalena Italian
- Magdalene German
Would your family give Magdalena?
Mark it if your family would give this first name. The count is for 2026 on this site. It is not the civil registry, and it is not babies registered in 2024. One browser can choose a name once in the year.
No family on this site has marked Magdalena for 2026 yet.
Magdalena with common surname pairs
Each pair is a mother's maiden surname plus a father's surname. The number is the sound-fit score for this first name.
Related girl names
About the name Magdalena
How do I use Magdalena with two Filipino surnames?
Magdalena is the given name. The full name is Magdalena + mother's maiden surname + father's surname. Score a pair from a combination page or the homepage search.
Is Magdalena a common girl name in the Philippines?
In the civil registry as of May 2021, Magdalena is number 263, with 29,810 records. That is not the 2024 birth list, and it does not say the name is a better choice. How it sounds with both family surnames is a separate score.