Find out how popular the first name Glinda has been for the last 35 years (from 1974 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Glinda by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Glinda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Glinda.

The history of the first name Glinda

The name Glinda is believed to have originated from the Old English word "glind," which means "material that burns slowly and gives off a bright glow." This suggests that the name may have been associated with light or radiance in its early usage.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Glinda can be traced back to the 9th century AD, when it was primarily used in Anglo-Saxon regions of England. During this period, the name was often spelled as "Glynde" or "Glynda."

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Glinda was a 10th-century Anglo-Saxon noblewoman named Glinda of Mercia, who was born around 920 AD and played a significant role in the political affairs of the Kingdom of Mercia during her lifetime.

In the 12th century, the name Glinda appeared in several medieval English texts and manuscripts, often used as a character name in literary works or as a reference to historical figures.

During the Renaissance period, the name Glinda gained some popularity among aristocratic families in England and parts of continental Europe. One notable figure from this era was Glinda Fitzalan (1510-1580), an English noblewoman and courtier who served under Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 20th century, the name Glinda experienced a resurgence in popularity, largely due to its association with the character Glinda the Good Witch from L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," published in 1900. This literary connection helped to cement the name's association with magic and whimsy.

Other notable individuals named Glinda throughout history include Glinda Hawkesworth (1887-1972), a British actress and singer who performed in various musical theater productions in London's West End, and Glinda Portway (1914-2003), an American painter and sculptor known for her avant-garde works.

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 Glinda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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