galina

Galina is a female given name used in Slavic-speaking countries, especially Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and other parts of Eastern Europe. It has been in occasional use since the medieval and early modern periods and remains common in contemporary usage. The name is typically treated as a Slavic given name rather than a surname.

The exact origin of Galina is uncertain. Several theories have been proposed, linking the name to Greek or Slavic roots, but no consensus exists. In modern usage, the name is usually considered independent of a specific meaning, rather than carrying a fixed translation.

Common diminutives and affectionate forms include Galya (Галя) and Galinka. In some contexts, the name can be found across East European languages with minor spelling variations.

Notable people named Galina include Galina Ulanova (1910–1998), a Soviet prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, and Galina Vishnevskaya (1926–2012), a renowned Russian soprano. The name also appears in literature and film in Eastern Europe.

Galina remains a traditional Slavic female given name with historical significance and continued contemporary usage.