Malin

Malin is a diminutive of the biblical name Magdalena and is used in both Sweden and English-speaking regions. In Swedish and English, the variant Madeleine is also found.

What does the name Malin mean?

As a diminutive of Magdalena, the name Malin carries the meaning 'the one from Magdala'. This origin traces back to the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, who is known as a disciple of Jesus Christ and originates from Magdala by the Sea of Galilee. The nickname 'Magdalena' is derived from this. The name Magdala itself originates from the Hebrew word migdal, meaning 'tower', which is why Malin can also be interpreted as 'the exalted one'. Furthermore, Malin is occasionally used as a male name in English-speaking regions, derived from the Irish Maílín, meaning 'the little warrior'. Primarily, however, Malin is common in Sweden, Norway, and the English-speaking world, and has gained popularity in German-speaking areas in recent years. The more common variant in Germany is Malina. This popularity is partly thanks to Astrid Lindgren, who named one of her main characters in her book 'Ferien auf Saltkrokan' Malin. Similar names include Malien, Maline, Maleen, Malena, as well as forms derived from 'Maria Magdalena' such as Marleen, Marlen, Marlena, and Marlene. Regarding pronunciation, in Swedish the emphasis is on the first syllable, the 'a'.

Where does the name Malin come from?

The name Malin has both female and male origins in Old Hebrew and Irish, encompassing meanings such as 'the exalted one' and 'the one from Magdala'. The etymology includes the Old Hebrew migdal, meaning 'tower'.

How do you pronounce Malin?

Malin is a clearly structured, two-syllable name. The German pronunciation is typically 'Ma-lin' [ˈmaːlɪn], with the name starting with a long, warm 'A' sound that conveys openness. The second syllable sounds soft and reserved, while the final 'n' gives the name stability. Overall, Malin feels calm and Nordic – simple, harmonious, and modern.

When is the name day of Malin?

The name day for Malin, as a variant of Magdalena, is celebrated on May 25 and July 22.

Popularity

In Germany, Malin is among the popular first names and currently ranks 406th on the list of most common female baby names. The name reached its highest ranking in 2012 at 166th place. Over the last ten years, Malin has been given as a first name approximately 2,100 times, securing it 301st place in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, the name ranks 286th.

Nicknames & pet names

Lili / Lin / Linchen / Lini / Linn / Linski / Ma / Mal / Mala / Malenchen / Mali / Malibou / Malibu / Malili / Malina / Malinchen / Malinchenbienchen / Maline / Malini / Malinka / Malino / Malinski / Malle / Malli / Malmal / Maln / Malo / Malon / Malu / Malun / Mandy / May / Melos / Milli / Mollie / Momo

Similar first names

Malinka

Famous people

• Malin (book character from Saltkrokan by Astrid Lindgren)
• Malin (Linn) Berggren (singer of the band Ace of Base)
• Malin Akerman (actress)
• Malin Andersson (Swedish footballer)
• Malin Arvidsson (Salvadoran actress)
• Malin Atanasov (Bulgarian ice hockey player)
• Malin Atanassow (ice hockey player from Bulgaria)
• Malin Baryard-Johnsson (Swedish equestrian)
• Malin Bayard (show jumper)
• Malin Berghagen (actress from Sweden)
• Malin Birgerson (actress from Sweden)
• Malin Burnham (sailor from the USA)
• Malin Büttner (presenter (e.g., Neuneinhalb))
• Malin Byström (Swedish opera singer)
• Malin Crepin (actress from Sweden)
• Malin Diaz (Swedish footballer)
• Malin Ek (Swedish actress)
• Malin Gjorup (Swedish actress)
• Malin Hartelius (Swedish singer)
• Malin Kompa (presenter Bremen 4)