A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Gala since 1919
Babies named Gala per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 21 |
| 1930s | 61 |
| 1940s | 139 |
| 1950s | 247 |
| 1960s | 417 |
| 1970s | 182 |
| 1980s | 66 |
| 1990s | 93 |
| 2000s | 120 |
| 2010s | 460 |
| 2020s | 374 |
Meaning & origin
Gala is a distinctive name with a debated etymology and a modern, artistic edge. First recorded in 1919, it saw a peak in 1965 but then declined before beginning a steady rise again since 1991. In 2025, it ranked 2485th with a 1-in-22,638 incidence, reflecting its rarity. Its revival in recent decades may be tied to increased interest in vintage and artistic names. The name is most common in Florida, Texas, and New York, states known for cultural diversity and artistic communities. Gala's simplicity and elegance make it a choice for parents seeking a name that is both short and uncommon, with a subtle yet compelling history.
The name Gala has multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Greek word 'gala' (γάλα) meaning 'milk', used as a poetic or mythological term. Alternatively, it could be a short form of names like Galatea or Galina. In modern times, Gala gained visibility through the surrealist artist Gala Dalí (born Elena Ivanovna Diakonova), whose adopted name influenced its use as an independent given name, especially in English-speaking countries.
Where Gala is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gala” around the world
Where Gala lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Gala
Names that share Gala's style, for a brother or sister.
