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

Popularity of Galya by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Galya.

The history of the first name Galya

Galya is a feminine given name with roots tracing back to ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek word "gala," meaning "milk," and was likely used as a reference to the purity and nourishing qualities associated with this vital sustenance. The name's origins can be traced back to as early as the 5th century BCE, when it was first recorded in texts and inscriptions from the region.

One of the earliest known references to the name Galya comes from the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes, who mentioned a character by this name in his comedic play "Ecclesiazusae," written around 392 BCE. This suggests that the name was already in use during that time period.

In ancient Roman times, the name Galya was sometimes Latinized as "Galatea," and it appeared in various literary works and historical records from that era. One notable example is the mythological story of Galatea, a sea nymph who was beloved by the cyclops Polyphemus in Ovid's "Metamorphoses."

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Galya remained in use, particularly in regions with strong Byzantine and Orthodox Christian influences. It was sometimes associated with the Greek word "gala," meaning "calm" or "tranquil," further reinforcing its connection to peaceful and nurturing qualities.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Galya was Galya Placidia (388-450 CE), a Roman empress who played a significant role in the transition from the Western Roman Empire to the medieval kingdoms of Europe.

Another notable figure was Galya Massalkova (1799-1828), a Russian actress and singer who performed in the Imperial Theatres of St. Petersburg and was renowned for her talent and beauty.

In the 20th century, Galya Noventsova (1888-1942) was a Russian painter and graphic artist who was a member of the avant-garde art movement and known for her innovative style and techniques.

Galya Fyodorovna Anguissola (1921-2008) was a Russian-born American artist and sculptor, known for her abstract expressionist works and her contributions to the New York art scene in the mid-20th century.

Galya Kolarova (1959-present) is a Bulgarian singer and songwriter who has been a prominent figure in the Bulgarian music industry since the 1980s, known for her powerful vocal range and emotional performances.

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

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

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