Fun Facts About the Name Gal
- 403 babies named Gal: U.S. records list 403 babies given the name Gal from 1880 through 2025. Even 148 boys received the name Gal - about 1 boy for every 2 girls.
What Does the Name Gal Mean?
Gal is a Hebrew name meaning "wave." It comes from the Hebrew noun gal (גַּל), the ordinary Modern Hebrew word for a wave or billow of water. The same noun appears in biblical Hebrew poetry for the waves of the sea. The name is used in Israel for both males and females. The similar-looking Hungarian surname Gál is unrelated; it derives from the Latin personal name Gallus.
Gal Name History & Origins
Gal is a Modern Hebrew given name taken from the Hebrew noun gal, "wave." The word is old in Hebrew and occurs in biblical poetry, but the personal name Gal belongs to the modern use of Hebrew as a spoken language. In Israel it is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls. It is separate from the Hungarian surname Gál, which comes from Latin Gallus. The feminine Hebrew name Galit is formed from the same noun, but Gal has its own established use as a given name.
How Popular is the Name Gal?
Gal has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2022. Its best rank was #3,805 in 1951.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #9,673 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 2024 | #11,401 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2023 | #8,629 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2022 | #7,085 | 16 | 0.0010% |
| 2021 | #8,180 | 13 | 0.0008% |
| 2020 | #7,686 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 2019 | #12,898 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2018 | #8,799 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2017 | #10,996 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2015 | #15,133 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2005 | #17,341 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2002 | #12,662 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2001 | #9,621 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 2000 | #8,206 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 1999 | #13,240 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1996 | #10,963 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1995 | #6,370 | 14 | 0.0008% |
| 1993 | #14,239 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1992 | #14,005 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1991 | #12,005 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1989 | #11,302 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1988 | #12,433 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1987 | #10,281 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1986 | #11,530 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1961 | #6,891 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 1958 | #4,643 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1956 | #5,508 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1955 | #6,151 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1953 | #5,251 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1951 | #3,805 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1949 | #5,514 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1947 | #5,590 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #12,648 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2006 | #11,093 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2005 | #6,355 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 2003 | #7,445 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2002 | #11,261 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2001 | #11,132 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2000 | #10,964 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1998 | #5,247 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 1997 | #5,401 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 1996 | #4,460 | 14 | 0.0007% |
| 1995 | #9,322 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1994 | #7,225 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1993 | #6,412 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1992 | #4,662 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 1991 | #5,229 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1990 | #7,481 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1989 | #8,327 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 1988 | #6,696 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1984 | #6,658 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Gal Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are introspective, prophetic, philosophical, and soul searching, but also can be analytical, critical and opinionated. You think deeply and clearly, have an air of mystery, can be solitary and secretive. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.
You are always looking for an opportunity to achieve financial and emotional security. You are basically peacemaker. You understand the law of harmony and desire to balance your life with those around you. You may feel incomplete without someone to share your love, ideals, wealth or work. You can be very sensitive and could appear a bit shy and perceptive. You have developed intuition, patience and the ability to nurture others. You can achieve the state of happiness if you are willing to accept your needs in a complimentary relationship and go to create them.
✦ Gal's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Gal's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.