Explore the Family Name Galarneau
The meaning of Galarneau
French: variant of Galerneau (and, in North America, an altered form of this), a topographic name from a diminutive of Old French galerne ‘northwest wind’ (from Breton gwalarn), denoting a domain exposed to the northwest wind. The surname Galarneau is very rare in France, while the surname Galerneau is found mainly in Vendée. Compare Galorneau and Garno. History: Jacques Galarneau/Galerneau from La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime, France, married Jacqueline Héron/Néron in Quebec City, QC, in 1665. His descendants also bear altered forms of the surname, such as Galorneau and Garno. Some characteristic forenames: French Pierre, Lucien, Alcide, Ludger, Rosaire.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Galarneau in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census, the surname Galarneau has seen a slight decrease in popularity between 2000 and 2010. In 2000, the surname ranked 28,548 in popularity with 786 people bearing it. However, by 2010, the rank had dropped to 29,918 even though there was only one less individual with the name (785). This represents a change of -4.8 in rank and a -0.13 count, reducing its proportion per 100K from 0.29 to 0.27, a decrease of 6.9%.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #28,548 | #29,918 | -4.8% |
| Count | 786 | 785 | -0.13% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.29 | 0.27 | -6.9% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Galarneau
In terms of ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows that the Galarneau surname is predominantly associated with the White ethnic identity. In 2000, about 96.18% of individuals with this surname identified as White, but this figure decreased slightly to 95.03% by 2010. The Hispanic representation increased from 2.16% to 2.80%, marking a 29.63% change. People identifying with two or more races also saw an increase from 0.89% to 1.02%. There were no individuals of Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, or American Indian and Alaskan Native origin bearing the surname in 2000, however, by 2010, 0.64% of people with the Galarneau surname identified as American Indian and Alaskan Native.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 96.18% | 95.03% | -1.2% |
| Hispanic | 2.16% | 2.8% | 29.63% |
| Two or More Races | 0.89% | 1.02% | 14.61% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0.64% | 0% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |