Holding steady, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Galena since 1902
Babies named Galena per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2010, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Galena's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 7 |
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 22 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 13 |
| 1970s | 25 |
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 15 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Galena is an exceedingly rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1902 and peaking in popularity that very year. As of 2025, the name ranks 10,917, with only about 1 in 200,908 baby girls receiving it. Its trajectory has remained stable over the decades, never experiencing a significant surge or revival. The name's top states show no concentrated geographic pattern, reflecting its scattered usage. Galena's rarity and gentle sound may appeal to parents seeking an unusual name with ancient Greek roots and a connection to calmness. The mineral association adds a subtle earthy element without being overtly thematic.
Galena is likely derived from the Greek word 'galene', meaning 'calm' or 'stillness', which also gave rise to the name of the mineral galena (lead sulfide). It has been used sparingly as a given name, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name shares roots with Galen, the Greek physician, but its exact origin as a personal name is debated.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Gali
Sibling names for Galena
Names that share Galena's style, for a brother or sister.
