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Glenda Girl

Popularity: #926 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationGLEN-duh / /ˈɡlɛndə/

Welsh; English

Meaning

Welsh: fair; English: bright, shining

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Glenda has its roots in the Welsh language, deriving from the elements "glen," meaning "valley," and "da," meaning "fair" or "good." This etymological composition suggests a literal meaning of "fair valley" or "good valley." The name entered the English lexicon in the 20th century, influenced by the romantic and picturesque associations of the Welsh landscape, which contributed to its appeal as a feminine given name in English-speaking countries.

Historically, the name Glenda gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. One notable milestone in its usage was the publication of the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz," which featured the character Glinda, the Good Witch. Although the character's name is Glinda, the phonetic similarity and the character's benevolent nature likely contributed to the popularity of the name Glenda during that era. The name's association with goodness and beauty resonates with the positive connotations of its Welsh roots.

Culturally, Glenda has been embraced for its lyrical quality and connection to nature, reflecting the romantic ideals of the early 20th century. The name embodies a sense of tranquility and grace, often associated with pastoral imagery. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Glen or Glenny may be used informally, although they are less common. Overall, Glenda's historical and cultural significance is intertwined with its etymological roots and the positive imagery it evokes.

Trend Summary

Glenda experienced a peak in popularity in the mid-20th century but has since declined in usage.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Glendy
  • Glenda

International Variants

  • Glenda (Spanish)
  • Glenna (English)

Famous people named Glenda

Glenda Jackson is an actress and politician best known for Women in Love, A Touch of Class, and her role in King Lear.

Glenda Collins is a singer best known for her hits in the 1960s including 'Never Love a Robin' and 'It's Hard to Be a Girl.'.

Glenda Linscott is an actress best known for her roles in The Flying Doctors, The Sullivans, and The Last of the Ryans.

Fictional characters named Glenda

Glenda is a fictional character from the musical and novel Wicked. She is a bubbly and optimistic witch who becomes a close friend of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Glenda was first seen in the United States in 1900. Glenda has ranked as high as #168 nationally, which occurred in 1950, and has been most popular in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, California, and Missouri. In the past 5 years the name Glenda has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Glenda (2023)

StateBirthsShare
TX 6
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19005
19046
190511
19065
190710
190813
190915
191010
191126
191239
191348
191452
191568
191664
191781
191887
191978
1920110
1921117
1922117
1923123
1924150
1925143
1926167
1927162
1928184
1929184
1930181
1931230
1932288
1933680
1934921
19351,144
19361,366
19371,536
19381,958
19392,286
19402,353
19412,643
19423,089
19433,403
19443,367
19452,963
19463,568
19474,156
19483,831
19493,975
19504,215
19514,135
19523,880
19533,655
19543,735
19553,343
19563,245
19573,200
19582,982
19592,838
19602,689
19612,600
19622,456
19632,052
19641,862
19651,514
19661,367
19671,110
1968998
1969943
1970893
1971782
1972613
1973566
1974509
1975444
1976455
1977403
1978362
1979297
1980327
1981310
1982323
1983285
1984231
1985213
1986198
1987183
1988172
1989205
1990175
1991165
1992179
1993143
1994137
1995135
1996124
1997118
1998112
199986
200096
200186
200295
200390
200466
200589
200672
200775
200861
200957
201046
201148
201239
201332
201430
201527
201633
201724
201824
201922
202024
202127
202218
202323
202424