Find out how popular the first name Galilee has been for the last 23 years (from 2001 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Galilee by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Galilee is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 62 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Galilee.

The history of the first name Galilee

Galilee is a given name with origins that can be traced back to the ancient region of Galilee in northern Israel. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "galil," which means "ring" or "circle." It is believed that the region was named Galilee due to its circular or ring-like shape.

The name Galilee has deep religious and historical significance. In the Bible, Galilee is mentioned numerous times as the region where Jesus Christ spent a significant portion of his ministry. The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias or the Lake of Gennesaret, played a prominent role in various biblical events and narratives.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Galilee can be found in the works of the Jewish historian Josephus, who lived in the first century AD. He wrote extensively about the region of Galilee and its inhabitants, providing valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of the time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Galilee. One of the most famous was Galilee of Arles (circa 491-549), a Frankish saint and the founder of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre in Vienne, France. Another notable figure was Galilee of Murom (circa 1540-1619), a Russian Orthodox saint who founded the Monastery of St. Cosmas and St. Damian in Murom.

In the field of science, Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), the renowned Italian astronomer, mathematician, and philosopher, is often referred to by his first name, Galileo, which is a variant of Galilee. His groundbreaking discoveries and contributions to the scientific revolution have made him one of the most celebrated figures in the history of science.

Another notable individual with the name Galilee was Galilee of Aquitaine (circa 1060-1109), a Benedictine abbess and writer who played a significant role in the religious and intellectual life of her time. She is known for her influential writings on monastic life and spirituality.

While the name Galilee may not be as common today as it once was, it carries a rich historical and cultural significance, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient region from which it originated.

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 Galilee was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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