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Glenna Girl

Popularity: · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationGLEH-nuh / /ˈɡlɛnə/

Scottish; Irish

Meaning

Scottish: valley; Irish: gleann (valley)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Glenna has its roots in the Scottish Gaelic word "gleann," meaning "valley." This etymology reflects the natural landscape of Scotland, where many place names derive from geographical features. The name Glenna likely emerged as a feminine form of Glen, which has been used in various contexts to denote a valley or a secluded area. The transition into English occurred as Gaelic influence permeated the British Isles, particularly during the medieval period when the Gaelic language and culture were prominent in Scotland and parts of Ireland.

Historically, the name Glenna can be traced back to the 19th century, when it began to be used more widely as a given name. It is often associated with the romanticized notions of the Scottish Highlands and the picturesque valleys that characterize the region. The name gained some recognition through literary works and cultural representations that celebrated Scottish heritage, particularly during the 19th-century Romantic movement, which idealized nature and the pastoral life.

Culturally, Glenna evokes imagery of serene landscapes and a connection to nature, which has contributed to its appeal. The name may also carry connotations of strength and tranquility, reflecting the characteristics often attributed to valleys in literature and folklore. While diminutive forms such as Glen or Glyn may be encountered, Glenna stands out as a distinct feminine name that encapsulates the beauty of the Scottish landscape and its linguistic heritage. Overall, Glenna represents a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, rooted in the rich tapestry of Scottish history.

Trend Summary

Glenna has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline in usage since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Glen
  • Gleny

International Variants

Famous people named Glenna

Glenna Goodacre is a sculptor best known for the Vietnam Women's Memorial, Sacagawea dollar coin, and various public sculptures.

Fictional characters named Glenna

Glenna is a fictional character from the book series The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. She is a member of the Aes Sedai and plays a significant role in the fight against the Dark One.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Glenna was first seen in the United States in 1880. Glenna has ranked as high as #539 nationally, which occurred in 1951, and has been most popular in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, and Oklahoma. In the past 5 years the name Glenna has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Glenna (1998)

StateBirthsShare
TX 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18807
188110
18826
188310
18849
188522
188615
188716
188825
188920
189024
189119
189226
189332
189424
189538
189643
189751
189845
189951
190045
190132
190241
190350
190453
190546
190649
190741
190852
190962
191066
191172
191297
1913113
1914149
1915185
1916221
1917249
1918276
1919275
1920268
1921328
1922330
1923391
1924399
1925410
1926467
1927429
1928519
1929477
1930555
1931564
1932515
1933504
1934516
1935479
1936425
1937499
1938463
1939456
1940463
1941463
1942489
1943500
1944512
1945453
1946530
1947613
1948587
1949567
1950600
1951645
1952583
1953539
1954521
1955461
1956404
1957324
1958310
1959297
1960286
1961258
1962298
1963241
1964210
1965164
1966152
1967161
1968137
1969142
1970132
1971143
1972117
197391
197487
197599
197685
197777
197852
197962
198061
198149
198245
198341
198442
198547
198651
198753
198849
198952
199038
199141
199240
199342
199445
199531
199630
199731
199830
199917
200020
200116
200211
200318
200420
20058
20069
200713
200810
20099
20108
201110
20128
201311
201412
20158
201612
201711
20189
20199
20209
20216
202212
20237