Declining since 1986, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Galen since 1889
Babies named Galen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 24 |
| 1900s | 52 |
| 1910s | 519 |
| 1920s | 1,039 |
| 1930s | 1,352 |
| 1940s | 2,445 |
| 1950s | 2,938 |
| 1960s | 1,957 |
| 1970s | 1,642 |
| 1980s | 1,542 |
| 1990s | 1,447 |
| 2000s | 791 |
| 2010s | 497 |
| 2020s | 249 |
Meaning & origin
Galen is a classical name that has never been common but has maintained a quiet presence since the late 19th century. First recorded in the U.S. in 1889, it reached its peak rank of 4,396 in 1949, the same year the name saw its highest usage. Since 1986, it has been in steady decline, though it remains a recognizable choice for parents drawn to historical or medical names. The name's trajectory reflects its classical, scholarly associations rather than mainstream fashion.
Galen derives from the Greek name Galenos (Γαληνός), meaning 'calm' or 'serene'. It was borne by the 2nd-century Greek physician Galen of Pergamon, whose medical writings dominated Western medicine for over a millennium. The name saw sporadic use in the English-speaking world from the late 19th century, likely influenced by the historical figure and the classical revival.
Where Galen is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gale
Variants: Galenos, Galenus
Sibling names for Galen
Names that share Galen's style, for a brother or sister.
