Thoughts on Galilea

[Stumped7]

Pronounced "Gal-il-ey-ah" (i.e. a girl name version of Galilee, as in the Sea of Galilee. Like the female version of Galileo).

Expecting my second child and completely stumped for names this time. Turns out I used one of the only names I actually liked on my first child and now I can hardly think of anything that sparks joy. The first child's name is Biblical, recognisable as a well-known name, but not overly common these days.

I like Galilea, but it's very unusual in English speaking countries. I believe it's more common in Mexico but we have no links to Mexico.

What do you think of it?

Ghastly

That's an opinion btw not a name suggestion.

I'm surprised no one has suggested Galia. A real name with Hebrew origins that's a much better alternative in my opinion.

@GiveMyHeadPeaceffs Can you really not see the slightest problem with your name being "noticed" every single time you give it for your entire life?

As much as I agree it's a better choice, it's also quite well known as a fruit here in the UK - Galia Melon.

It would be the equivalent of Chiquita (Bananas) or Braeburn (Apples).

Mind you, it's not stopped anyone using Clementine as a name.

@CurlewKate but some people will "notice" it's a lovely name and some people will think differently and comment. It's how the person deals with it that's the crux of the issue.

The culture, generally, on Mumsnet is to recoil from names that they personally haven't heard of or encountered and in some cases, then belittle the name eg Bohemian Rhapsody jibes. And there is huge concern about whether they're going to have to spell it for everyone. My name is not unusual but I still have to spell it for people who don't know me, it's a non issue

I'm not a Christian and I love Bohemian Rhapsody, but Galilee came to mind before Galileo did, and I think it's a really pretty name. Could be shortened to Lea.

But my kids are primary aged and love Queen, they've been taought Queen songs in their music lessons since reception.

It's a bit of a mouthful. What about Leah? It's biblical and has some of the you like in it.

I do quite like Galilee but think Galilea is prettier and more 'name like'.

Isnt Gaia Pagan?

It's not actually a religious name at all. It's a real geographical place in Israel that still exists to this day. It just also happens to be significant in the Bible.

It's not actually a religious name at all. It's a real geographical place

So are lots of places but they don't make good names. I was heartened when you came around to no, but seems like you're rowing back to the sea of Galilee now. Honestly, I am not team normal names and have an odd name myself (which I've never liked), but this cannot be your best option. Imagine whether you'd like being called it. Really. Just don't create that problem out of the gate.

What if op is from North America? This is forum open globally.

@MistyHazelFox "What if op is from North America? This is forum open globally."

True. In that case, I have nothing to add. Is it used much in North America? I know the OP mentioned South America and that she has no links.

It's probably unusual in North America too.

Would it be a good idea to use the name of a region in a country currently at war as the name of a child?

Sorry, I'll accept that maybe it's too weird a name to use, but this argument is just silly. The global cultural significance of the land of Israel faaar transcends the current conflict happening there.

By the same argument you'd have to stop using the names Bethany, Mary, Thomas, Matthew, Abigail, David...

Not at all. All of those other than Bethany are names of people mentioned in the Bible.

So what about Bethany then? We'd have to stop using that too. And the only reason we use those characters' names is because they were popularised in the Bible, in the land of Israel (e.g. David being the King of Israel). Probably the majority of Western names have some associations with Israel.

Just a thought, a Christian friend used Aramaia (ara-may-uh) after the Aramaic language that Jesus would have spoken.

Maybe less out there than Galilea or Galilee as Arabella, Maia etc are all names that are used currently but it's still unusual and has a Christian connection.

I like it and even more after this post. Bohemian Rhapsody didn't occur to me and I'm definitely of the right generation (unlike your child). I even said it correctly in my head 😇.

You don't need to defend your name choices to anyone. Go with what You love. Lea (Layah) is a lovely abbreviation too.

I considered Talitha for my DD and also Charis.

You must be just enjoying the debate I guess, but it's blindingly obvious there's a difference between names that have become standard names whatever their origins and religious afflictions and one that absolutely is not that, at all.

I think it's pretty. I actually know a Galilea! (from Greece)

Bethany was a town. It's been used as a name for decades.
The names are established names that have been used for centuries.
They do not compare to a hardly-used name associated with a known region in Palestine.

I think Deborah is due for a revival. Miriam is a strong but pretty biblical name.

Gallia, Leah, Agnes?