Find out how popular the first name Glenda has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Glenda by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Glenda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 23 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Glenda.

The history of the first name Glenda

The given name Glenda is derived from the Welsh name Gwenlhian, which means "fair and smooth." It has its roots in the ancient Celtic language spoken in parts of Britain, particularly Wales, during the Iron Age and medieval periods.

The name Gwenlhian was popular among the Welsh nobility and is believed to have been used as early as the 6th century AD. It was later anglicized to Glenda, which became a more common spelling in English-speaking regions.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Glenda can be found in the Welsh medieval manuscript known as the "Black Book of Carmarthen," dating back to the 13th century. This manuscript contains a collection of poems and stories from Welsh tradition.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Glenda. One of the earliest recorded examples is Glenda Ferrell (1904-1971), an American actress who appeared in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s, including notable roles in "Little Caesar" and "The Maltese Falcon."

Another famous Glenda was Glenda Jackson (born 1936), a British actress and former politician. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performances in "Women in Love" (1970) and "A Touch of Class" (1973). Jackson later pursued a career in politics and served as a Labour Party member of the British Parliament.

In the world of literature, Glenda is the name of the Good Witch of the South in L. Frank Baum's classic novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," published in 1900. This fictional character has become a beloved figure in popular culture and has been portrayed by various actresses in film adaptations.

Glenda Gilson (born 1981) is an Irish television presenter and model who has hosted several shows, including "Xposé" and "Ireland AM." She has also participated in reality shows like "Celebrity Bainisteoir" and "Dancing with the Stars."

Glenda Bailey (born 1958) is a British-born journalist and editor who has served as the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar magazine since 1992. She has been widely recognized for her contributions to the fashion industry and has received numerous accolades.

While the name Glenda may have originated from Welsh roots, it has gained popularity across various cultures and regions, with notable individuals bearing this name throughout history in various fields, including entertainment, literature, and journalism.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Glenda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Glenda, please contact us.

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