"pure, holy (glan) + good (da)"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Glenda
Pronunciation: [ gl-EHND-uh ]
Does Glenda flow with your last name?
A Welsh classic meaning pure as a highland valley
Welsh
Scottish
English
American
Vintage
Classic
Strong
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"valley (glen) + feminine suffix"
Origin: Welsh/Scottish
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strong association with Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz, which parents may love or find too whimsical
The Story of Glenda
Glenda is a Welsh name combining glan (pure, clean, holy) and da (good) or alternatively from glen (valley) with the feminine suffix -da. The glen element evokes the scenic valleys of Wales and Scotland, while glan carries spiritual connotations of purity. Glenda was coined or popularized in the early 20th century as a feminine form of Glenn and has been used primarily in English-speaking countries.
Glenda reached peak popularity in the United States and UK in the 1940s-1960s, when names ending in -a and -nda were fashionable (Brenda, Linda, Sandra, Wanda). The name is now considered a classic vintage name, with the retro appeal that is currently fashionable. Academy Award winner Glenda Jackson helped sustain its cultural visibility.
In Welsh culture, Glenda reflects the naming tradition of drawing on natural landscape elements (glan = riverbank/shore, glen = valley). The name has been popular in Wales, Scotland, and among Welsh and Scottish diaspora communities. Its association with nature makes it feel grounded and authentic.
Historical Record
Glenda first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 63,192 babies have been named Glenda in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Glenda is past its peak , currently ranked #5,321 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz (1939) used a variant spelling, cementing this name in American pop culture
- Glenda Jackson is one of the few people to win an Academy Award for Best Actress (twice, in 1970 and 1973) and also serve as a Member of Parliament
Glenda in Other Languages
Welsh
Glenda
English
Glenda
Spanish
Glenda
Portuguese
Glenda
Scottish Gaelic
Gleann-da
Popularity Over Time
#5,321
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Glenda
G
Glenda Jackson
Actor
1936
British actress and politician who won two Academy Awards for Best Actress before serving as a Labour MP for 23 years
G
Glinda the Good Witch Fictional
Other
Beloved character from L. Frank Baum's Oz books and the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, the Good Witch of the North
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,321
- Total SSA Count
- 24
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Glen
Glennie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Glenda
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Glenda is also used as a boy name, ranked #17865.
View Glenda as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Welsh)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Glenda
What does the name Glenda mean?
"pure, holy (glan) + good (da)" (from Welsh). "valley (glen) + feminine suffix" (from Welsh/Scottish). Glenda is a Welsh name combining glan (pure, clean, holy) and da (good) or alternatively from glen (valley) with the feminine suffix -da. The glen element evokes the scenic valleys of Wales and Scotland, while glan carries spiritual connotations of purity. Glenda was coined or popularized in the early 20th century as a feminine form of Glenn and has been used primarily in English-speaking countries.
What is the origin of the name Glenda?
Glenda has Welsh, Welsh/Scottish, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Welsh, it means "pure, holy (glan) + good (da)". In Welsh/Scottish, it means "valley (glen) + feminine suffix".
Is Glenda a boy or girl name?
Glenda is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5321. As a boy name, it is ranked #17865. Glenda is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Glenda?
Glenda is pronounced gl-EHND-uh.
How popular is the name Glenda?
Glenda is currently ranked #5321 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Glenda?
Common nicknames for Glenda include Glen and Glennie.
What are good middle names for Glenda?
Popular middle name pairings include Glenda Rose, Glenda Marie, Glenda Jean, Glenda Ann, Glenda Louise, Glenda Joy, and Glenda Mae.
What are good sibling names for Glenda?
Names that pair well with Glenda as siblings include Brenda, Linda, Sandra, Rhonda, Dennis, Glenn, and Ronald.
How many syllables does Glenda have?
Glenda has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Glenda a common or rare name?
Glenda is an uncommon name, ranked #5321 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Glenda
Glenda is a girl name with Welsh, Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "pure, holy (glan) + good (da)" in Welsh .
Is Glenda a boy or girl name? Glenda is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,321 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #17,865. Glenda is more commonly used as a girl name.
Glenda is currently ranked #5,321 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Glenda has 2 syllables and is pronounced gl-EHND-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Glenda include Glen and Glennie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis