Rising since 2001, #3,712 for girls today.
Popularity of Galilee since 2001
Babies named Galilee per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 80 |
| 2010s | 283 |
| 2020s | 285 |
Meaning & origin
Galilee is a modern place-name adoption drawn from the biblical region of northern Israel, first recorded as a given name in the United States in 2001. It has seen steady growth in use, especially since the 2020s, peaking in 2023 at its highest rank so far. The name remains uncommon, with about 1 in 40,182 newborns receiving it in 2025, and its popularity trajectory is clearly rising. Although still rare, Galilee has a strong geographic and religious resonance, likely appealing to families seeking a distinctive name with biblical ties. Its most common home state is California, and it is rarely used for boys.
Galilee is derived from the Hebrew 'Galil,' meaning 'circle' or 'district,' referring to the region of Galilee in northern Israel. The name gained use as a given name in English-speaking countries, particularly among religious families, in the early 21st century. It is often chosen for its biblical significance as the setting for many events in the life of Jesus, with no prior history as a personal name before modern times.
Where Galilee is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee, Gali, Lea
Sibling names for Galilee
Names that share Galilee's style, for a brother or sister.
