Madalena

Madalena is the Portuguese form of Magdalene, derived from the Hebrew place name Migdal, meaning tower, referring to the town of Migdal on the Sea of Galilee. The name became widely used in Christian Europe through Mary Magdalene, the New Testament figure who was one of the followers of Jesus and traditionally identified as the first witness to his resurrection. Its spread across the Portuguese-speaking world reflects the deep influence of Catholic devotion to this saint. Related forms include Magdalena, Madeleine, Madeline, and Magdalene.