Galina

Galina (Галина) is a female first name used in Bulgarian and Russian-speaking regions and represents a form of the ancient Greek name Galene (Γαλήνη). Translated into German, the name means 'the calm', 'the calm sea', 'as calm as the wind', 'the tranquil sea', or also 'peace'.

What does the name Galina mean?

The first name Galina (Галина) is derived from the ancient Greek name Galene (Γαλήνη) and means in German 'the calm', 'the calm sea', 'as calm as the wind', 'the tranquil sea', or freely interpreted also 'peace' and 'peace of mind'. The roots of the name lie in the ancient Greek term galéne (γαλήνη), which denotes 'calm', 'stillness', and 'serenity'. In Italian, 'Gallina' with a double 'l' translates to 'hen' or 'chicken'. The Latvian version of the name is Gaļina. Other variants include Galena, Gala, Galya, Galinka, Galka, Galjuscha, as well as Halina, Halinka, Halka, and Halyna. Male names derived from Galina are Galenos, Galen, Galeno, and Galenus. In Greek mythology, Galene was a minor goddess who embodied the calm sea and was one of the 50 Nereids, the sea nymphs who were the daughters of Nereus and the Oceanid Doris. Euripides mentions Galene as the daughter of Pontus, while Callimachus refers to her as 'Galenaia'.

Where does the name Galina come from?

The name Galina has its roots in ancient Greek and means 'the calm'. The ancient Greek word galéne (γαλήνη) consists of components for 'calm', 'stillness', and 'serenity'. The name is widespread in various languages, including Bulgarian, Latvian, Russian, Czech, and Ukrainian.

How do you pronounce Galina?

The pronunciation of Galina is rhythmic and three syllables. The name is pronounced as 'Ga-li-na' [gaˈliːna], with the open 'Ga' sounding warm and grounded. The stressed middle syllable with a long 'i' brings brightness and lightness to the sound. The open ending '-na' provides a harmonious closure. Galina has a melodic, balanced, and slightly classical sound - soft yet present.

When is the name day of Galina?

The name day of Galina is celebrated on October 5.

Popularity

In Germany, Galina is a common first name, currently ranking 4,045th on the list of the most popular female first names. Its best placement was in 2007 at rank 1,198. In the last ten years, the name has been given about 90 times as a first name, placing it 2,674th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 2,786th.

Nicknames & pet names

Alina / Chaka / Chicken / Gaga / Gala / Galgo / Gali / Galica / Galinchen / Galinkica / Galja / Galjunja / Galjuscha / Galjusik / Galle / Galli / Galona / Galotschka / Galtschonok / Galuli / Glaka / Glinka / Henne / Hühnchen / Ina / Lina

Famous people

• Galina "Red" Reznikov (character from the Netflix series "Orange Is The New Black")
• Galina Agafja Andrejewna Kusmenko (1892–1978), Ukrainian anarchist, partner of Makhno
• Galina Alexandrowna Mesenzewa (American biathlete)
• Galina Alexeevna Rumiantseva (Russian artist)
• Galina Alexejewna Kuklewa (biathlete)
• Galina Alexejewna Kulakowa (Soviet cross-country skier)
• Galina Andrejewna Stepanskaja (speed skater)
• Galina Astafei (athlete)
• Galina Borissowna Tjunina (American actress)
• Galina Bukharina (Russian sprinter)
• Galina Djuragin (Russian writer)
• Galina Eguiazarova (Russian musician)
• Galina Ermolaeva (Russian racing rower)
• Galina Inzhuvatova (hockey player)
• Galina Iwanowna Sybina (athlete)
• Galina Iwanowna Ustwolskaja (composer)
• Galina Jewgenjewna Bogomolowa (long-distance runner)
• Galina Jewgenjewna Nikolajewa (writer)
• Galina Jovovich (Russian actress)
• Galina Jurjewna Jenjuchina (Russian cyclist)