Declining since 1987, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Glenna since 1880
Babies named Glenna per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1951, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Glenna's real moment was 1931.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 140 |
| 1890s | 353 |
| 1900s | 471 |
| 1910s | 1,703 |
| 1920s | 4,018 |
| 1930s | 4,976 |
| 1940s | 5,177 |
| 1950s | 4,684 |
| 1960s | 2,049 |
| 1970s | 945 |
| 1980s | 490 |
| 1990s | 345 |
| 2000s | 134 |
| 2010s | 98 |
| 2020s | 41 |
Meaning & origin
Glenna emerged in the late 1800s as a feminine form of Glen, tied to the scenic Irish and Scottish word for 'valley.' The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, and its popularity rose steadily, reaching its peak in 1931. Since then, Glenna has been in decline, with usage falling markedly after 1987. In 2025, the name ranked 11,932, with only about 1 in 229,610 newborn girls receiving the name. Glenna belongs to a generation of names that flourished in the 1930s but has since become rare, giving it a quietly vintage feel.
Glenna is a feminine form of Glen, which derives from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic word 'gleann' meaning 'valley' or 'glen'. It emerged in the late 19th century as a given name, likely influenced by the popularity of similar names like Glenna and the scenic associations of the word. The name saw its peak usage in the 1930s, particularly in the United States.
Where Glenna 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: Glennie, Glen
Sibling names for Glenna
Names that share Glenna's style, for a brother or sister.
