Malena
Fact sheet
- Name
- Malena
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 3
Malena is a short form of Magdalena, which is common in both Sweden and Spain. The meaning of the name is 'the one from Magdala' and has its origin in the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus Christ. Her birthplace, Magdala, is located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, which is why she received the nickname 'Magdalena'.
What does the name Malena mean?
Malena is a female short form of the name Magdalena and means 'the one from Magdala'. This name refers to the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, who is known as a disciple of Jesus and comes from the town of Magdala by the Sea of Galilee. The name Magdala derives from the Hebrew word migdal, which means 'the tower', which is why Malena can also be interpreted as 'the Exalted'. In Croatian, malena also means 'small, little'. The first name Malena is particularly popular in Sweden, Spain, and Latin America, but is increasingly being chosen in German-speaking countries as well. Popular variants of Magdalena include the short forms Alena, Lena, Lene, Leni, and Magda. International equivalents include Madeleine (English, French, Swedish), Maddalena (Italian), Madalena (Portuguese), and Malin (Norwegian, Swedish). There are also similar names that are derived from Mary Magdalene, such as Marleen, Marlen, Marlena, and Marlene.
Where does the name Malena come from?
The name Malena has ancient Hebrew origins and means 'the one from Magdala' or 'the Exalted'. The origin of the word lies in the ancient Hebrew term migdal, which means 'the tower'.
How do you pronounce Malena?
The name Malena has a three-syllable, gentle sound. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Ma-le-na' [maˈleːna]. It begins with an open A sound that radiates warmth. The stressed middle syllable with a long E gives the name elegance, while the open final A harmoniously rounds off the sound. Malena thus appears feminine and melodious – modern, soft, and timeless.
When is the name day of Malena?
The name day for Malena is celebrated on May 25 and July 22.
Popularity
Malena is among the popular first names in Germany. The name currently ranks 550th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2005, reaching 219th place. In the last ten years, Malena has been given about 1,200 times, which places it 470th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 489th.
Nicknames & pet names
Le / Lena / Lenchen / Leni / Lenie / Lini / Mala / Male / Malen / Malenchen / Maleni / Malenica / Malensgi / Mali / Malle / Mallematz / Malli / Mallo / Mally / Malu / Malzy / Mena / Millchen / Mille
Similar first names
Famous people
- Malena Alterio (Argentinian actress)
- Malena Alvarado (Venezuelan actress)
- Malena Belafonte (model from Denmark)
- Malena Burke (Cuban singer)
- Malena Engstrom (actress from Sweden)
- Malena Ernman (singer)
- Malena Fox (Armenian singer)
- Malena Josephsen (football player from the Faroe Islands)
- Malena Morling (Swedish writer)
- Malena Muyala (Uruguayan musician)
Frequently asked questions about the name Malena
What does the name Malena mean?
Malena is a female short form of the name Magdalena and means 'the one from Magdala'. The name refers to the biblical figure Mary Magdalene.
What nicknames are there for Malena?
Popular nicknames for Malena include Le, Lena, Leni, Mala, and Mally. These pet names offer a personal and affectionate way to shorten the name.
In which countries is the name Malena particularly popular?
Malena is especially popular in Sweden, Spain, and Latin America. In recent years, however, the name has also been gaining popularity in German-speaking countries.
How is the name Malena pronounced?
The name Malena is generally pronounced as 'Ma-le-na'. The emphasis is on the first syllable, giving it a melodic sound.