Impressions? I love the idea of being associated with redemption, forgiveness, and salvation, but I don’t know if the “whore” tag overshadows all that…
Also, how would you pronounce it?
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I love love love Magdalene!! Such a lovely alternative to names like [name_f]Madeline[/name_f] and [name_f]Margaret[/name_f], and the nickname options are great!!
As someone who is non-religious (and was not raised to be), I do think of [name_f]Mary[/name_f] [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f] but not in a wh**e sense, but more of a forgiveness sense (like you said). She’s also considered to be a saint, if that helps you at all!!
I would say it like MAG-duh-lane !!
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[name_f]Magdalene[/name_f] is very pretty! It feels a little grand/weighty to me, but still totally wearable.
Personally I would not make the wh*re connection – at least in my religious experience, [name_f]Mary[/name_f] [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f] is usually looked upon in a more positive light.
I would say MAG-duh-len or MAG-duh-lin.
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[name_f]Love[/name_f] [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f]. I’m a religious [name_m]Christian[/name_m] and have positive associations with it. I don’t think there are really wh** vibes at all. It does have strong religious vibes to me but more along the lines of discipleship, forgiveness etc.
Use it if you love it! 
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[name_f]Magdalene[/name_f] has an appealing sound and flow - like [name_f]Madeline[/name_f], [name_f]Madigan[/name_f] and [name_f]Adelaine[/name_f] together.
I’d say it as mag-duh-lane, but wouldn’t be surprised by Mag-duh-len either.
I knew a [name_f]Magdalena[/name_f] who went by [name_f]Maggie[/name_f] - I wouldn’t have made any bad associations on reading her name
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I wouldn’t associate anything bad with this name. I think it’s beautiful- clunky, strong, bold, and it’s very wearable (at least in Spain, I know many.) I think the nicknames [name_f]Magda[/name_f] is also great!
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I mean there will be a very strong religious connotation to the name.
I’m US (Midwest dialect) and I would say Mag-duh-lane or Mag-duh-lin.
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I love Magdalene! Also, I’m religious, and I don’t think Mary Magdalene was a wh**e. I’m pretty sure that reputation came from years of misinterpretation or misunderstanding. I think she was a just a wealthy woman. Either way, she became a much beloved figure.
Also, I would pronounce it Mag-dah-len. I’m from the southern US.
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I love Magdalene! I don’t really think the bible association matters. I know Magdalene and its variations were never too common in English-speaking countries, but its international variations have been popular in many countries, so clearly the association isn’t something that the average person can’t look beyond!
I don’t think of those redemption, forgiveness, etc. meanings you mentioned, but I do think of it as a beautiful name with adorable nicknames. I’d pronounce it magda-leen / magda-lin with this spelling! I like Magdalen (magda-lehn) a tiny bit more, but both are lovely.
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That’s so interesting! I feel like I’ve only ever heard it pronounced “Mag-duh-len” but I think Google Translate also says “Mag-duh-leen” which is what prompted me to ask.
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I could honestly be wrong about it, since English isn’t my first language! I just assumed it ended in an -een sound because I know it’s of Greek origin, and other Greek origin names in -ene like Irene, Selene & Eugene are pronounced with an -een 
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magdalene is beautiful! i think of the saint right away, i love the meaning of forgiveness, redemption, and salvation, and i do not think of any bad associations. i pronounce it mag-duh-lin. i also know a little magdelena (pronounced mag-duh-lay-nuh) which i think could be a great alternative.
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