The Baby Name Wizard

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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Galen!

Comments and insights on the name Galen: | Edit

It can be used for a girl's name (common spelling Gaylin), but this is very rare. It is most commonly associated with boys.

Personal experiences with the name Galen: | Edit

I work with a man named Galen. I do notice he has to spell his name a lot, but people quickly grow accustomed to it. Other than spelling and pronouncing it to people, I don't see any other negatives.

Nicknames for Galen: | Edit

My brother's name is Galen and he goes by 'Gale'.

Children could be mean and call him "Gay" - especially if he is more effeminate.

Meanings and history of the name Galen: | Edit

The meaning of Galen is "calm". It is of Greek origin. From Galenus, which derives from "galene". It was the name of a second-century Greek physician whose research provided a basis for accepted medical practices for 1500 years.

Famous real-life people named Galen: | Edit

Galen Tomlinson played "Turbo" on the original "American Gladiators."
Galen Rupp is an American cross-country and track and field athlete from University of Oregon.
Galen Crader is a musician, actor, and TV personality.
Galen Rowell is an internationally-known nature photographer.
Galen Gering is an actor.

Galen in song, story & screen: | Edit

Technomage Galen in 'Babylon 5' and 'Crusade'.
'Chief' Galen Tyrell in 'Battlestar Galactica' (2004).
Galen (Roddy McDowell's character) in 'Planet of the Apes' (1974).
Galen was "Doc" Adams's first name in the TV version of Gunsmoke (in the radio version his name was Charles)
Galen was a famous Greek physician (see name history)
Galen Drache, a shapeshifter prince who turns into a leopard, from the 9th book of the Night World series "Witchlight"