Magdalena

Magdalena is a feminine given name used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe. It is the Latin feminine form of Magdalene, which in turn derives from the biblical Mary Magdalene, traditionally identified as a follower of Jesus and a saint in Christian tradition. The name is common in many languages, with variants such as Magdalena, Magdalene, Madalena, Madalina, and Madeleine; common diminutives include Lena, Magda, and Maddie.

Geography and toponymy: The best-known place with this name is the Magdalena Department in Colombia, located on the Caribbean coast. Its capital is Santa Marta, and the Magdalena River—the country’s principal river—flows through it to the Caribbean Sea. The name is also used for various towns and geographic features in the Spanish-speaking world, often reflecting religious or historical associations with Mary Magdalene.

In culture and religion: Mary Magdalene is a central figure in Christian tradition, and Magdalena as a given name has been borne by saints, scholars, and artists. The name appears in literature, film, and music, and is used for churches, charitable institutions, and schools dedicated to Mary Magdalene. The form Magdalene also appears in English-language contexts, with the feminine name Magdalene or Madeleine in some regions.