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GALILI Origin of surname

GALILI

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.

Galil/Galilee is the northern part of Israel. Hagalili, meaning "the Galilean" in Hebrew, is recorded as a Jewish surname in the 2nd century, and Ben Galil, the "son of the Galilee", in the 14th century. This name belongs to a group of modern Hebrew surnames adopted in the 20th century by Jewish immigrants or their descendants as part of shaping their new Israeli identity and as an expression of their connection to the Land of Israel.

Distinguished bearers of the Jewish family name Galili include the Ukrainian-born Israeli farmer, soldier, labour leader and member of the Knesset, Israel Galili (1911-1986).

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GALILI Origin of surname

GALILI

Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.

Galil/Galilee is the northern part of Israel. Hagalili, meaning "the Galilean" in Hebrew, is recorded as a Jewish surname in the 2nd century, and Ben Galil, the "son of the Galilee", in the 14th century. This name belongs to a group of modern Hebrew surnames adopted in the 20th century by Jewish immigrants or their descendants as part of shaping their new Israeli identity and as an expression of their connection to the Land of Israel.

Distinguished bearers of the Jewish family name Galili include the Ukrainian-born Israeli farmer, soldier, labour leader and member of the Knesset, Israel Galili (1911-1986).

Written by researchers of ANU Museum of the Jewish People