Declining since 1985, #1,443 for boys today.
Popularity of Glenn since 1880
Babies named Glenn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 731 |
| 1890s | 1,501 |
| 1900s | 2,122 |
| 1910s | 14,304 |
| 1920s | 25,157 |
| 1930s | 24,222 |
| 1940s | 35,717 |
| 1950s | 58,714 |
| 1960s | 48,095 |
| 1970s | 16,888 |
| 1980s | 10,189 |
| 1990s | 5,908 |
| 2000s | 2,730 |
| 2010s | 1,615 |
| 2020s | 749 |
Meaning & origin
Glenn is a classic Scottish and Irish name meaning 'valley,' originally a surname before becoming a given name in the 19th century. Its popularity peaked in 1962, ranking among the top names for boys in that era. Since the mid-1980s, its usage has steadily declined, and in 2025 it ranked 1443rd with about 1 in 13,775 newborn boys receiving the name. The name saw particular favor in states like Wisconsin, Alabama, and Washington during its peak decades. While less common today, Glenn retains a sturdy, outdoor feel rooted in its natural meaning.
Glenn is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word gleann, meaning 'valley' or 'glen'. It originated as a surname, often used to denote someone who lived in or near a valley. The name transitioned to a given name in the 19th century and saw significant popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Where Glenn is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Glenn” around the world
Where Glenn lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Glen
Sibling names for Glenn
Names that share Glenn's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Laura, Karen, Susan, Linda, Nancy, Gail, Deanne, Larraine, Leeann, Dalene, Gaylene, Willene, Ardene, Clydene, Daylene, Dyane, Dyann, Gayleen, Glennda, Lorre, Shelda, Dawnita, Genee, Glendola, Jolean, Lujean, Lyne, Sharonne, Harlean, Deanette, Geanine, Glendine, Glenisha, Glennette, Jillayne, Loanne, Roxene, Royann, Rudean
Brothers: Keith, Mark, Darrell, Paul, Douglas, Dee, Kirk, Arlon, Gaylen, Ladd, Dewane, Duan, Jb, Kenn, Troyce, Doyl, Gar, Loel, Rahn, Argyle, Carols, Raydell
Names like Glenn
Names whose popularity has moved with Glenn's over the last 50 years.
