Gallienne is a surname of French origin. While not among the most common surnames globally, it is notably associated with several individuals who have made significant contributions in the fields of literature and acting.
Origin
The surname Gallienne is believed to be derived from the Latin "Gallianus," which historically denoted someone "of Gallia" or "Gaul." It may have originated as a personal name or as a toponymic surname indicating a person's geographical origin from a region in Gaul (a historical region roughly corresponding to modern France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and parts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland).
Notable People
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Richard Le Gallienne (1866–1947), born Richard Thomas Gallienne, was a prominent English poet, essayist, and critic. A significant figure in the Decadent movement of the late 19th century, he was associated with literary circles in London and later New York. Le Gallienne contributed to The Yellow Book and other avant-garde publications, known for his lyrical prose and poetry that often explored themes of beauty, art, and aestheticism. His works include The Romantic Nineties (1925), a memoir of his literary period, and various volumes of poetry such as English Poems (1892) and The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: A Paraphrase (1897). He was also a prolific journalist and lecturer.
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Béatrice Dalle (born Béatrice Françoise Dalle Gallienne in 1964) is a celebrated French actress. While professionally known as Béatrice Dalle, her birth name includes Gallienne. She gained international recognition for her powerful and unconventional roles, notably as the lead in Jean-Jacques Beineix's 1986 film Betty Blue (original title: 37°2 le matin), which earned her a César Award nomination for Best Actress. Her career spans numerous films, often playing intense and rebellious characters, including works with Claire Denis (e.g., Trouble Every Day).