Declining since 2021, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Gal since 1947
Babies named Gal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 10 | 0 |
| 1950s | 34 | 0 |
| 1960s | 5 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 22 | 16 |
| 1990s | 43 | 85 |
| 2000s | 34 | 42 |
| 2010s | 34 | 0 |
| 2020s | 73 | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Gal is a concise, international name that has seen modest usage in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1947. As of the latest data from 2025, it ranked 9,457, with a peak in 2022. The name is given to about 1 in every 160,727 newborns, reflecting its rarity. Its trajectory has been falling since 2021, suggesting a recent decline in favor. While no top states have been recorded for Gal, its Hebrew origin gives it cultural resonance. The name's brevity and cross-gender appeal make it a distinctive choice.
Gal may derive from the Hebrew word גַּל (gal) meaning 'wave' or 'heap'. In Israel, it is used as a unisex name, sometimes as a short form of names like Galit or Galia. The name gained moderate popularity in the United States starting in the mid-20th century, possibly influenced by celebrities or cultural exchanges.
Sibling names for Gal
Names that share Gal's style, for a brother or sister.
