The name Galle is believed to derive from the Sinhala word “Gala”, meaning rock or stone, a reference to the rocky outcrop that defines the city’s coastline. Another theory suggests it evolved from “Gimhathiththa”, the name used before the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century. Arab traders and Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta referred to it as “Qali”, while the Dutch and British later called it Point de Galle.

Some historians even speculate that Galle may have been the ancient port of Tarshish, mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as a source of gold, ivory, peacocks, and spices—goods that were indeed traded through this port for centuries. Whether myth or fact, Galle’s name is steeped in legend, trade, and transformation.

As of 2022, Galle city has a population of approximately 112,252 residents. It serves as the capital of the Southern Province and the administrative center of the Galle District, which is home to over 1.1 million people.

The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly Sinhalese Buddhist, but Galle is also home to a significant Sri Lankan Moor (Muslim) community, particularly within the Fort area. These residents are descendants of Arab traders who settled in Galle centuries ago and intermarried with local Sinhalese women. The city also includes smaller populations of Sri Lankan Tamils, Burghers, and Christians, contributing to its rich cultural mosaic.

The median age in the district is 31.2 years, with a slightly higher female population (51.9%) than male (48.1%). This youthful, diverse population fuels Galle’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.