Pronunciation

Ga-li-uh

History

Of European extraction, the surname Galea was first registered during Medieval times, when much of the continent was at war, with fierce battles pitting region against region. Indeed, Galea refers to an army helmet, though the word itself actually stems back even further, to Roman times, when the word 'galea' was used to refer to a soldier’s headgear. Gladiators also wore them, with decorated bronze galeas covering the faces of myrmillones - fierce gladiators who were heavily armed and who used the strength of their large physique to overpower.

But according to the surname database, the first known Galea was Anne Galeacy, from Trento, whose name was registered in the church register on March 20th, 1657, though later examples are a bit hard to come by since records were taken erratically. The first Galea registered in Malta was Angelo Galea, whose name was taken when he married Petra Camilleri on September 10th, 1730.  But, today, Galea is Malta’s sixth most popular surname!

Some of today’s gladiators are:

1. Michael Galea, footballer

Fans of Birkirkara F.C. know this name very well, for Michael Galea played with the team for many years, occupying the position of striker. He hang up his football boots in 2011 at the age of 32, though he is still active in the scene, encouraging the younger generation to push and strive for better.

2. Malcolm Galea, writer and actor

Theatre in Malta is definitely on the upswing, thanks to the talents of creatives such as Malcolm Galea, who has written and starred in a stream of productions, to the delight of audiences on the island. He is well known for his role as the Dame in many a Christmas panto (which he also pens), but he also has a flair for more dramatic pieces.

3. Carol Galea, long-distance runner

Retired Maltese long-distance runner Carol Galea did the island proud at many international tournaments, including two Olympic Games, in 1992 and 1996, the Small Nations Games in 1993 and the World Championships in 1995. She started running after she had had her two kids, joining the Ladies Running Club in the late ‘80s and, later, in 1997, she won gold and silver in the Small Nations Games in Iceland.

4. Ludwig Galea, singer

Who remembers the catchy Eurovision song ‘On again, off again’? If you’re old enough to have danced – or sung – along to it, then you will remember Ludwig Galea, who performed with his partner at the time, Julie Zahra. Ludwig is still well known on the singing circuit, so you might catch this crooner at a bar or wedding near you!