What does Glenna mean and where does it come from?
Glenna is a feminine given name that is derived from the Scottish 'glen', which refers to a narrow valley. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. Its use can be associated with the trend of nature-inspired names. Glenna has varia
Cultural significance
Glenna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of glen.
Peak popularity
Reached #256 in 1931 — currently #769 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Glenna?
Glenna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Glenna Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Glenna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Glenna Mae
Sweet · timeless
Glenna Claire
French influence · crisp
Glenna Jane
Literary · strong
Glenna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Glenna right now?
Holding steady — currently #769 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #769 | 1,431 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #774 | 1,411 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #779 | 1,381 | ▲ up 9395 · +15244% births |
| 2020 | #10174 | 9 | ▲ up 1647 · +13% births |
| 2015 | #11821 | 8 | ▲ up 456 |
| 2010 | #12277 | 8 | ▼ down 438 |
| 2005 | #11839 | 8 | ▼ down 6348 · -60% births |
| 2000 | #5491 | 20 | ▼ down 1993 · -35% births |
| 1995 | #3498 | 31 | ▼ down 534 · -18% births |
| 1990 | #2964 | 38 | ▼ down 762 · -19% births |
| 1985 | #2202 | 47 | ▼ down 417 · -23% births |
| 1980 | #1785 | 61 | ▼ down 623 · -38% births |
| 1975 | #1162 | 99 | ▼ down 199 · -25% births |
| 1970 | #963 | 132 | ▼ down 189 · -20% births |
| 1965 | #774 | 164 | — |
The story of Glenna
Glenna has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 25,596 babies have received this name. Glenna is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Glenna in 1931:
Glenna by decade
Glenna peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 140 | |
| 1890s | 353 | |
| 1900s | 471 | |
| 1910s | 1,703 | |
| 1920s | 4,018 | |
| 1930s | 4,976 | |
| 1940s ★ | 5,181 | |
| 1950s | 4,684 | |
| 1960s | 2,048 | |
| 1970s | 946 | |
| 1980s | 490 | |
| 1990s | 345 | |
| 2000s | 134 | |
| 2010s | 98 | |
| 2020s | 9 | |
What are good nicknames for Glenna?
What names sound and feel like Glenna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Glenna also consider these
How is Glenna written in other languages?
Gender variants of Glenna
Common questions about the name Glenna
What does the name Glenna mean?
Glenna means "Glen" — 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 Glenna?
Glenna is currently ranked #769 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 Glenna?
Glenna 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 Glenna?
Glenna is a two-syllable name pronounced G L EH1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Glenna more of a girl or boy name?
Glenna is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.