Galen is a name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek word "galenos," which means "calm" or "serene." It is also associated with the sea, as it can be translated to mean "of the calm sea."
The name Galen has a rich history and is most notably connected to the prominent Greek physician, Galen of Pergamon. Born in the 2nd century AD, Galen was a prolific writer and is considered one of the founders of medical science. His extensive work on anatomy and physiology laid the foundation for modern medicine.
In terms of its usage as a given name, Galen has been popular throughout history but has seen an increase in popularity in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Galen was among the top 1000 names for boys born in the country from 2006 onwards.
The name Galen is often associated with wisdom, knowledge, and calmness due to its origins and historical figure. It is also considered a unique yet timeless choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Overall, Galen is a name rich in history and meaning that offers a serene and knowledgeable vibe.
The name Galen experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a marked increase starting around 1912 and peaking in the late 1940s to early 1950s. From 1947 to 1954, there were consistently high numbers of births, with a peak of 433 births in 1949. However, after 1962, the number of births began to decline steadily, reaching a low of 38 births in 2023. Overall, there were a total of 16,429 births named Galen from 1889 to 2023.