Galen Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Galen has its roots in Greek, meaning 'calm' or 'healer'. It evolved from Galenios in Ancient Greek to Galenus in Latin and finally to Galen in English. The name embodies traits of tranquility and healing, though it lacks biblical significance. Its popularity surged during the Renaissance period, influenced by the renowned physician Galen of Pergamon, and it continues to be perceived as a classic name today.
The name Galen is most popular in Kansas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Galen has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Galen' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 681st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 479th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 448th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 632nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 794th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1660th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2651st out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5956th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4727th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6705th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5988th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15087th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Galen' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Galen"
Pronunciation
/ˈɡeɪ.lən/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Galen is derived from the Greek word 'galene', which means 'calm' or 'healer'. It is historically associated with the famous physician Galen of Pergamon.
Meaning
calm, healer
Language Evolution
Γαλήνιος (Galenios) in Ancient Greek, Galenus in Latin, Galen in English
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Western world during the Renaissance due to the influence of the physician Galen, whose works were revered in medical education.
Variants & Derivatives
Galenus, Gail, Gailen
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Galen is seen as a classic name, often associated with intelligence and healing, and is used occasionally in contemporary naming.
Famous People
Galen of Pergamon, the ancient physician, Galen Rowell, the American photographer and mountaineer, Galen Weston, the Canadian businessman
Explore More Galen Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Galen"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Galen"
"Galen" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 681st of 7545 | 1,380 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 479th of 6773 | 2,735 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 448th of 7552 | 5,299 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 632nd of 10718 | 2,679 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 794th of 16616 | 2,463 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1660th of 24088 | 1,305 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2651st of 23106 | 578 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5956th of 9204 | 32 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4727th of 12526 | 132 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6705th of 19264 | 106 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5988th of 27321 | 214 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15087th of 35406 | 76 |
Regional Popularity of "Galen" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
28.25% 400th/1416 |
38.65% 533rd/1379 |
74.26% 1757th/2366 |
73.29% 837th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
18.95% 293rd/1546 |
23.71% 369th/1556 |
49.72% 1170th/2353 |
30.77% 476th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
12.89% 287th/2227 |
18.02% 438th/2430 |
25.69% 733rd/2853 |
16.47% 457th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
18.01% 529th/2937 |
20.27% 706th/3483 |
23.85% 839th/3518 |
15.06% 609th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
25.05% 923rd/3685 |
19.20% 859th/4475 |
20.31% 1055th/5194 |
10.70% 676th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
35.60% 1631st/4582 |
36.93% 1907th/5164 |
30.85% 2256th/7313 |
21.95% 1638th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
58.13% 2316th/3984 |
71.52% 3209th/4487 |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
39.60% 2485th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Galen" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Galen"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Galen" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.