'Purple Hearts' Star Nicholas Galitzine Descended from Princely House of Golitsyn
Updated: Aug 27, 2022
The Galitzine surname of the Purple Hearts actor indicates descent from ancient noble dynasties in Kyiv and Lithuania.
British actor Nicholas Galitzine stars in the Netflix hit Purple Hearts as a U.S. Marine, Luke, opposite Sofia Carson as musician Cassie. Galitzine has been working hard in films and television since a young age, and his years of hard work and phenomenal talent are certainly paying off as he scores leading roles.
Origin of Nicholas Galitzine's Surname
Nick's surname Galitzine is one that gives away ancestral ties to the ancient line of the princes of Kyiv and grand dukes of Lithuania. The spelling is a Western European version of the princely surname Golitsyn, which traces its origins back to the Boyer prince Mikhail Bulgakov in 1466. Mikhail received the nickname "Golitsa" which meant "iron glove," since he wore an iron glove on one of his hands. In modern Lithuanian glove is geležinė. Maybe Prince Mikhail wore the glove as a fashion statement, or possibly because he injured or lost a hand in battle. The nickname Golitsa morphed into the surname Golitsyn and Galitzine for his descendants.
Nicholas Galitzine's Descent from Grand Dukes of Lithuania and Grand Princes of Kyiv
Through his ancestor Prince Mikhail, actor Nicholas Galitzine can trace his roots back to the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and the Grand Princes of Kyiv — lines that trace back to around 800 AD.
This noble descent is fitting for Nicholas Galitzine, considering he played the dashing Prince Robert in Amazon Prime's Cinderella. As his ancient ancestors were warriors who led armies into battle, it's also a neat tie into his military role in Purple Hearts.
Nicholas Galitzine's Greek Ancestry
In addition to his noble Eastern European descent, Nicholas Galiztine is also half Greek on his mother's side, and speaks Greek fluently. His two middle names speak to both sides of his family: Dmitri from the Eastern European side, and Konstantine from his Greek side.
And finally, a huge thanks from the heart to Nick for saying hi and chatting with me at the filming of Purple Hearts where I got the amazing opportunity to be an extra in three different concert scenes. Nick is absolutely a kind soul brimming with talent.
Be sure to catch Nicholas Galiztine in these other excellent films:
The Beat Beneath My Feet - Amazon Prime
Also, catch him in his upcoming films Bottoms and Red, White & Royal Blue.
Music! Listen to his single "Comfort" on Spotify.
Follow Nick on his social media pages:
Instagram - @nicholasgalitzine
My YouTube Video on Nicholas Galitzine's Surname Origin
About the Author
Storytelling binds generations. Films and family history are both powerful forms of storytelling that do just that. Family history research has been a passion of mine since I was a teenager. Having researched my own family tree extensively, I enjoy looking into the family trees of my favorite actors and entertainers. To see their roots and where they come from is always inspiring. I’m often left in awe of the experiences of their ancestors and how they connect to the present day. I hope to inspire others to research their own family trees and find out where they come from by sharing interesting insights from the family trees of notable figures.
—Mike Batie
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