Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Galbraith

      Origin

      Scottish, English Origin

      Meaning

      From the Rough Village or Spear

      Variations

      Calbraith, Galbrait, Gallbraith
      The first name Galbraith has roots in both Scottish and English origins. It is derived from the Gaelic elements gall meaning foreigner and braith meaning a village or rough place. This combination effectively translates to from the rough village or spear, depending on interpretations. The name signifies resilience and strength, reflecting the rugged landscapes of its origins.

      Historically, Galbraith is associated with a Scottish surname that dates back to the medieval period. It was borne by notable clans in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Stirlingshire and Lanarkshire. The Galbraiths were known for their involvement in various historical events and were recognized as landowners and warriors. Over time, the name evolved from a family identifier to a given first name, maintaining its historical gravitas while adapting to contemporary naming conventions.

      In modern contexts, the name Galbraith is less common as a first name but is still occasionally used. It has gained some popularity as a surname, particularly in academic and professional circles due to notable individuals like economist John Kenneth Galbraith. The name carries an air of distinction and often evokes a sense of heritage, making it appealing for those wishing to connect with their Scottish roots or to impart a unique identity to their children.

      Based on our records...

      Hamilton

      Hamilton

      This is the most common surname associated with Galbraith.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Galbraith.
      Margaret

      Margaret

      This is the most common name for a child of a Galbraith.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1878 is when there were the most people born with the first name Galbraith.

      Explore the origins of another name.