Declining since 1985, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Glenda since 1900
Babies named Glenda per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1950, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Glenda's real moment was 1944.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 65 |
| 1910s | 553 |
| 1920s | 1,457 |
| 1930s | 10,590 |
| 1940s | 33,348 |
| 1950s | 35,228 |
| 1960s | 17,592 |
| 1970s | 5,324 |
| 1980s | 2,448 |
| 1990s | 1,374 |
| 2000s | 787 |
| 2010s | 325 |
| 2020s | 136 |
Meaning & origin
Glenda entered U.S. birth records in 1900 and saw its highest popularity in 1944, when it ranked among the top names. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined. In 2025, the name was given to about 1 in every 80,363 newborns, placing it at rank 5,917. The name was most concentrated in Texas, reflecting a regional preference. As a modern coinage, Glenda lacks ancient roots but fits a pattern of feminine names formed from elements like Glen. Its trajectory shows a classic arc of mid-century rise and subsequent fall, typical of many names from its era.
Glenda is a modern coinage that first appeared in the late 19th century. It is likely a blend of the name Glen (from Gaelic gleann, meaning 'valley') with the feminine suffix -da, or may be a feminine form of Glenn. The name gained moderate popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, without strong ties to any historical or mythological tradition.
Where Glenda is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Glenn, Glenny
Variants: Glennie
Sibling names for Glenda
Names that share Glenda's style, for a brother or sister.
