The authors agree that this surname derives from the place names Galliera, a locality of the Bologna area, and Galliera Veneta, a locality of the Padua area.

E. Rossoni broadens the analysis by noting that both place names would have their origin in the Gens Galeria, a Roman family of Sabine origin. He adds that, in some cases, the surname could derive directly from that gens, given that Cisalpine Gaul was ascribed to it during the republican and imperial period. E. De Felice does not develop this hypothesis and limits himself to noting the toponymic origin.

Rossoni indicates that the surname is especially spread in the Ferrara area —in localities such as Bondeno, Portomaggiore and Argenta—, as well as in the Bologna area. The variant Gallieri, less frequent, is also concentrated in the Ferrara area, particularly in Cento.