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Magdalena

Girl name · 33 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Magdalena: 33 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 8 births in 2010.

The name Magdalena is the Latinate and Slavic form of Mary Magdalene, a name of Hebrew origin derived from Migdal, meaning "tower." Mary Magdalene, a devoted follower of Jesus, is the most famous bearer, with the name forever tied to the town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee—a place whose very name means "tower" as well. In the arts, the Polish-born actress Magdalena Cielecka has brought the name to modern screens. A notably strong variant is the diminutive Magda, popular across Central Europe, while the name also lends itself to the floral association with the Easter lily, symbolising purity and rebirth. In Scotland, Magdalena remains a rarer, lyrical choice that carries both biblical weight and continental flair.

Girl 8 of 52 years

Peak year
20108 babies
Latest (2018)
#8093 babies
Total births
33since 2007
5-year trend
▼ 28%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2010 · 8
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).