Galena

“Lead ore”

Latin origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#15973US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

186All-time births

📅 Since 190200

What does Galena mean and where does it come from?

Galena is derived from the Latin word 'galena', which refers to lead sulfide, a mineral ore from which lead is obtained. The name has gained recognition in various cultures and languages and is popular in modern times mainly in the United States. It is also a place name in several areas, including G

Cultural significance

Galena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lead ore.

Peak popularity

Reached #1589 in 1902 — currently #15973 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Galena?

Galena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Galena Grace

How popular is Galena right now?

Falling — down 4419 spots — currently #15973 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#15973 · Top 12%

1920

1960

1970

1980

2000

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#15973	5	▼ down 4419 · -37% births
2022	#11554	8	▼ down 103
2021	#11451	8	▼ down 405
2020	#11046	8	▲ up 3501 · +33% births
2015	#14547	6	▼ down 2217 · -25% births
2010	#12330	8	▲ up 2804 · +60% births
2000	#15134	5	▼ down 6869 · -29% births
1980	#8265	7	▼ down 1797
1970	#6468	7	▼ down 654 · +17% births
1960	#5814	6	▼ down 675 · +20% births
1920	#5139	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Galena

Best Year1920Rank #5139

Peak Count8

Average Rank#10702

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202311 years

The story of Galena

Galena entered American naming records in 1902 and has been in use for over 122 years. With 186 total births recorded, Galena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5139 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15973 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Galena in 1902:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

Galena by decade

Galena peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	7
1910s	11
1920s	17
1930s	6
1940s	5
1960s	13
1970s	25
1980s	12
1990s	6
2000s	15
2010s ★	61
2020s	8

💎Galena has only 186 total recorded births since 1902 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Galena?

RUSSIAN

GalaGalya

ANCIENT GREEK

Galenos

ENGLISH

Galen

Famous people named Galena

Galena (Renaissance scholar)

Galena used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

Galena (Roman senator or statesman)

Galena held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.

Galena (historical Roman figure)

Galena carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

Galena (Roman senator or statesman)

Galena held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Galena?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Galena also consider these

Calena

Latin · Most beautiful

Valena

Latin · strength, health.

Galina

Russia · Calm, tranquil

English · A beloved name

Ravena

Latin · raven

Talena

English · Morning dew

How is Galena written in other languages?

What are the boy versions of Galena?

Galenos ANCIENT GREEK Galen ENGLISH

Common questions about the name Galena

What does the name Galena mean?

Galena means "Lead ore" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Galena?

Galena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Galena?

Galena originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

What sibling names go well with Galena?

Galena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.

Is Galena a common or rare name?

Galena is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.