Find out how popular the first name Galan has been for the last 17 years (from 1980 to 1996) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Galan by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Galan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1996, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Galan.

The history of the first name Galan

The name Galan has its roots in the Celtic languages, particularly in Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It is derived from the Celtic word "gal," which means "brave" or "valiant." The name first appeared in written records around the 5th century CE, during the height of Celtic culture in the British Isles.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Galan was Saint Galan, an Irish missionary who lived in the 6th century CE. He is celebrated in the Catholic Church for his efforts in spreading Christianity throughout Ireland and Scotland. Another notable figure was Galan the Bard, a Scottish poet and storyteller who lived in the 9th century CE and whose works were instrumental in preserving Celtic oral traditions.

In the 11th century CE, Galan mac Ruaidri was a prominent Irish chieftain and warrior who fought against the Norman invasions of Ireland. He is remembered for his bravery and leadership in defending his clan's territories. A few centuries later, Galan O'Donnell (1520-1567) was an Irish lord and military commander who played a significant role in the Nine Years' War against English rule in Ireland.

Moving into more modern times, Galan Nazhivin (1888-1939) was a Russian poet and translator who was part of the Silver Age of Russian literature. His works explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Another notable figure was Galan Dowdy (1923-2013), an American jazz saxophonist and bandleader who performed and recorded extensively in the mid-20th century.

While the name Galan is not as common today as it once was, it has left a lasting impression throughout history, particularly in the Celtic and Irish cultural spheres. Its meaning of bravery and valor has been embodied by many individuals who carried this name with pride.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Galan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Galan, please contact us.

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