Gala

♀ Girl

Pronounced GAH-lah /ˈɡɑː.lə/High

Meaning: festivity, show, gala celebrationMedium

In 30 seconds: Gala is a name meaning festivity or joyful celebration in Spanish, also connected to the Old Norse word for singing. An elegant cosmopolitan name made famous by Salvador Dali's muse.

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Origin MediumSpanish, Old Norse

Meaningfestivity, show, gala celebration

U.S. rank (2025)#2495 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births71 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1965

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,183

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gala comes from the Spanish gala meaning festivity or special occasion. It may also relate to Old Norse gala (to sing). Salvador Dalí's wife Gala made the name iconic in modern art.

Gala is used across Spain, Russia (as short for Galina), and cosmopolitan circles internationally. Its festive sound and artistic associations make it an elegant choice.

Did you know? Gala Dalí (born Elena Diakonova, 1894–1982) was Salvador Dalí's wife, muse, and business manager — one of the most powerful women in modern art history, inspiring countless masterpieces.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name: Gala — name etymology referenceOxford Spanish Dictionary — reference for Gala

Variations

GalinaGalateaGalla

Nicknames

Gal

Famous Bearers

★Gala Dalí (1894–1982)
Russian-born muse and wife of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí (born Elena Ivanovna Diakonova), also earlier the wife of poet Paul Éluard.

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By themespanish two-syllable old-norse artistic

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Frequently Asked

What does Gala mean?

Gala means festivity, show, or joyful celebration in Spanish. It also relates to the Old Norse word for singing.

How do you pronounce Gala?

Gala is pronounced GAH-lah (/ˈɡɑː.lə/), with two syllables.

Is Gala a girl's name?

Yes, Gala is used as a feminine name in Spain, Russia, and internationally.

How popular is the name Gala?

Gala is used in Spain and cosmopolitan circles, with artistic associations through Salvador Dali's muse.