What does Glenda mean and where does it come from?
Glenda gained popularity in the early 20th century and was further popularized by the American actress Glenda Jackson. The name is also noted for its appearance in literary works and has been used in various media forms, making it culturally recognizable. It has maintained a presence as a pleasant a
Cultural significance
Glenda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #79 in 1944 — currently #5987 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Glenda?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Glenda?
Glenda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Glenda Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Glenda Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Glenda Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Glenda Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Glenda Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Glenda Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Glenda right now?
Falling — down 634 spots — currently #5987 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5987 | 20 | ▼ down 634 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #5353 | 24 | ▼ down 4080 · -97% births |
| 2023 | #1273 | 927 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1278 | 907 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1283 | 877 | ▲ up 4003 · +3713% births |
| 2020 | #5286 | 23 | ▼ down 297 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #4989 | 27 | ▼ down 1518 · -41% births |
| 2010 | #3471 | 46 | ▼ down 1384 · -48% births |
| 2005 | #2087 | 89 | ▼ down 284 · -7% births |
| 2000 | #1803 | 96 | ▼ down 549 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #1254 | 135 | ▼ down 225 · -23% births |
| 1990 | #1029 | 175 | ▼ down 239 · -17% births |
| 1985 | #790 | 212 | ▼ down 222 · -35% births |
| 1980 | #568 | 327 | ▼ down 126 · -27% births |
| 1975 | #442 | 447 | — |
The story of Glenda
Glenda has been a beloved American name for over 124 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1900. Its peak popularity was #79 in 1944. More than 109,396 babies have been named Glenda since 1900. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2176 in 1900 to #1273 in 2023. Glenda is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Glenda in 1944:
Glenda by decade
Glenda peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 65 | |
| 1910s | 553 | |
| 1920s | 1,457 | |
| 1930s | 10,631 | |
| 1940s | 33,464 | |
| 1950s ★ | 35,308 | |
| 1960s | 17,642 | |
| 1970s | 5,325 | |
| 1980s | 2,444 | |
| 1990s | 1,373 | |
| 2000s | 786 | |
| 2010s | 325 | |
| 2020s | 67 | |
What are good nicknames for Glenda?
What names sound and feel like Glenda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Glenda also consider these
How is Glenda written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Glenda
What does the name Glenda mean?
Glenda means "Welsh" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Glenda?
Glenda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Glenda?
Glenda originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Glenda?
Glenda is a two-syllable name pronounced GLEND-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Glenda a common or rare name?
Glenda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.