The name Brenda is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse word "brandr," meaning "sword" or "firebrand." It was initially used as a masculine name among the Vikings and Scandinavian cultures during the Middle Ages.

In the early medieval period, the name Brenda was primarily found in areas with significant Norse influence, such as Iceland, Norway, and parts of the British Isles. It gained popularity as a feminine name in England during the 19th century, likely due to its association with the word "brand," which had taken on a symbolic meaning of strength and resilience.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Brenda can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, where it appeared as a male name. However, there are no known historical figures from that era specifically named Brenda.

The earliest known individual with the name Brenda was an English woman named Brenda Trotswell, who lived in the late 13th century. She was a landowner and benefactor from Norfolk, England.

In the 16th century, Brenda Harrington was a notable English woman who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I. She was born around 1550 and played a significant role in the royal court during the Elizabethan era.

During the Victorian era, Brenda Frederica Bullock was a British author and poet who published several works, including "Poems of Study and Idleness" in 1885. She was born in 1838 and contributed to the burgeoning literary scene of the time.

In the 20th century, Brenda Frazier was a pioneering African American artist and sculptor. Born in 1908, she was known for her intricate woodcarvings and her involvement in the Harlem Renaissance movement.

Another notable figure was Brenda Hale, a British legal scholar and the first woman to serve as President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. She was born in 1945 and has been a trailblazer in the field of law and gender equality.