Fun Facts About the Name Galena
- 225 babies named Galena: U.S. records list 225 babies given the name Galena from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Galena Mean?
Galena is a feminine given name usually derived from the Greek word γαλήνη (galēnē), meaning 'calm' or 'tranquility,' especially calm at sea. It is usually treated as a variant of Galina, the Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Greek feminine name from the same source. It can also be seen as a feminine form of Galen, from Greek Γαληνός (Galēnos), which shares the same root. The literal sense is 'calm' or 'stillness.' The given name is not generally derived from the mineral galena, a lead ore whose name comes from Latin galena.
Galena Name History & Origins
The word behind Galena is ancient Greek γαλήνη (galēnē), 'calm' or 'stillness,' used especially of the sea. In Greek mythology, Galene was one of the Nereids, sea nymphs and daughters of Nereus. The masculine form Γαληνός (Galēnos) was borne by Galen of Pergamon, the second-century physician whose medical writings were influential for centuries.
The feminine name Galina became established in the Greek-speaking world and later in Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and other Orthodox Slavic countries. An early Christian martyr named Galina is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The form Galena is a rarer variant of Galina or a feminine adaptation of Galen; it is used in English and occasionally in other European languages. The mineral and place name Galena, as in Galena, Illinois, comes from the Latin word for lead ore and is not generally the source of the given name.
How Popular is the Name Galena?
Galena 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 2025. Its best rank was #1,502 in 1902.
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 | #11,260 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2024 | #16,041 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2023 | #15,973 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2022 | #11,554 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2021 | #11,451 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2020 | #11,431 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2019 | #11,718 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2018 | #16,487 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2017 | #14,724 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2016 | #13,380 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2015 | #15,135 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2014 | #15,237 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2013 | #13,652 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2011 | #12,559 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2010 | #12,692 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2006 | #18,078 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2003 | #16,597 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2000 | #15,861 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1991 | #12,007 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1983 | #10,807 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1980 | #8,431 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1978 | #7,891 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1977 | #8,792 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1974 | #9,206 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1970 | #6,561 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1964 | #5,644 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1960 | #5,926 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1944 | #4,805 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1932 | #4,086 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1929 | #4,843 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1926 | #4,501 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1922 | #4,656 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1920 | #5,265 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1917 | #4,872 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1914 | #3,338 | 6 | 0.0008% |
| 1902 | #1,502 | 7 | 0.0027% |
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 Galena 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.
Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded, you are always looking for meaningful work, a career where you can take pride in your work and do the best job you are capable of. Your prime desire is to build protected and secure environment at home and at work. You can be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives. You can be very detailed and well-organized and possess great organizational skills. At times you may appear too stubborn and overly critical to others, but your practical approach to life and productivity makes you one of the most beneficent members of community.
✦ Galena's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Galena's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.