MallowbyNames

Galilea

gah-lee-LAY-ah · This name has debated origins; it may mean 'hill of the Lord' in Hebrew or be a place name from Galilee.

2025 rank (girls)
#647
Babies named in 2025
446
Peak popularity
2016
2025 frequency
1 in 3,604 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1993

Rising since 1993, #647 for girls today.

Popularity of Galilea since 1993

Babies named Galilea per year in U.S. Social Security records.

198396594200020102020Most births 2016Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s364
2000s2,486
2010s3,946
2020s2,513

Meaning & origin

Galilea is a relatively modern name that entered U.S. birth records in 1993. Its popularity peaked in 2016, and since then it has been on a rising trajectory. As of 2025, it ranked 647th with a 1-in-3604 birth rate. The name is most common in New Mexico, Texas, and California, reflecting its appeal in Hispanic communities. While its etymology is debated, the most common link is to the biblical region of Galilee, a name that evokes a sense of place and history. The name's steady increase in use suggests it resonates with parents looking for a melodic, distinctive choice with cultural depth.

Galilea likely originated as a modern coinage based on the biblical place name Galilee, the region in northern Israel. The name Galilee itself comes from Hebrew 'galil' meaning 'circle' or 'district', and is often interpreted as 'hill of the Lord'. As a given name, it first appeared in U.S. records in 1993 and has seen steady use, particularly in Hispanic communities, possibly influenced by the Spanish form of Galilee.

Where Galilea is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Gali, Lea, Lily

Variants: Galilea, Galilea

Sibling names for Galilea

Names that share Galilea's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

G is for Galilea, our favorite little girl.

G is for Galilea…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Galilea's letter becomes Galilea's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Galilea's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Galilea mean?
The name Galilea likely derives from the biblical region Galilee, meaning 'circle' or 'district' in Hebrew, and is often interpreted as 'hill of the Lord'.
How popular is Galilea currently?
As of 2025, Galilea ranked 647th in the U.S., with approximately 1 in every 3,604 baby girls given that name.
Is Galilea a boy or girl name?
Galilea is almost exclusively used for girls.