Festive, merry, or calm
In Russian and Slavic contexts, Gala is often a diminutive of Galina, meaning 'calm' or 'serene.' In Spanish and French, it is associated with the word for a festive celebration or party. It gained artistic prominence as the name of Salvador Dali's wife and muse.
Less common today
Gala isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,271 in 2024.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Russian-born wife and muse of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí
Italian pop singer-songwriter known for the hit 'Freed from Desire'
Bond girl and Special Branch officer · Moonraker (novel)
