Malena Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Malena is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Hebrew name Magdala, which means 'of Magdala.' The name evolved from Magdala to Magdalena and then to Malena. It is often associated with feminine traits and has gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in Spanish-speaking regions. There is no biblical relevance for the name itself, but it is linked to a biblical location. The name has variants such as Magdalena and Maggie, and it is currently perceived as graceful and charming.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Malena"
Pronunciation
/məˈleɪ.nə/
Origin
Spanish
Etymology
Malena is a diminutive form of the name Magdalena, which is derived from the Hebrew name Magdala, meaning 'of Magdala.' Magdala was a town on the Sea of Galilee.
Meaning
of Magdala
Language Evolution
Magdala (Hebrew), Magdalena (Spanish), Malena (Spanish)
Historical Usage
Malena gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and among those influenced by Hispanic culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Magdalena, Maggie, Lena
Modern Popularity & Image
Malena is viewed as a melodic and feminine name, often associated with grace and charm. It has gained a positive perception in modern times.
Famous People
Malena Alterio – Spanish actress, Malena Pichot – Argentine comedian and actress
📊 Malena Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Malena Name Visualizations
✨ Malena Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 146 peak births in 2004
Geographic Spread
Popular across 25 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Malena" - Complete Guide (5 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Malena". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 5 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Malena" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Malena"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Malena"
"Malena" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 8598th of 9107 | 6 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7783rd of 9204 | 11 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5662nd of 12526 | 87 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2301st of 19264 | 566 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3075th of 27321 | 542 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1793rd of 35406 | 1,759 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2234th of 30306 | 1,000 |
Regional Popularity of "Malena" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Malena" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
100.00% 2937th/2937 |
100.00% 3483rd/3483 |
57.99% 2040th/3518 |
61.62% 2492nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
74.72% 3881st/5194 |
41.71% 2635th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
37.23% 1706th/4582 |
32.98% 1703rd/5164 |
31.90% 2333rd/7313 |
21.75% 1623rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
58.11% 2315th/3984 |
40.49% 1817th/4487 |
38.77% 2645th/6822 |
32.82% 2060th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Malena"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Malena" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Malena" in the United States
The name Malena is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Malena has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Malena' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 8598th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 7783rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5662nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2301st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3075th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1793rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2234th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Malena' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.