Glen is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "glè" which means "valley". It is often associated with the picturesque glens, or valleys, found in Scotland's beautiful Highlands. The name Glen has been used as both a first name and a surname for centuries, but it became particularly popular as a given name during the 20th century.
The earliest recorded use of the name Glen as a personal name dates back to the 17th century in Scotland. However, it wasn't until the late Victorian era that Glen began to be used more frequently as a first name. This trend continued into the early 20th century, with Glen becoming particularly popular in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Australia.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Glen. One of the most famous is Glen Campbell, the American singer-songwriter who had a successful career in the 1960s and 70s. Another notable figure is Glen A. Larson, an American television producer known for creating popular shows like "Battlestar Galactica" and "Magnum P.I."
Today, Glen remains a popular choice as a boy's name, with its Scottish origins giving it a sense of rugged charm and strength. Its simple one-syllable structure makes it easy to pronounce and spell in many different languages, contributing to its enduring appeal. Whether you're drawn to the name for its historical significance or simply appreciate its sound, Glen is a strong and distinctive choice for a boy's name.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Glen has seen significant popularity and fluctuations over time in the United States.
From 1880 to 1900, the number of births with the name Glen ranged from a low of 24 in 1880 to a high of 134 in 1900. However, starting from 1907, there was a notable increase in popularity, with 150 births recorded that year. This upward trend continued until it peaked at 2492 births in 1952.
The highest decade for the name Glen was the 1950s, with over 23,000 births combined across those ten years. The peak year within this decade was 1956, with 2721 births recorded.
However, starting from the late 1960s and into the 1970s, there was a marked decrease in popularity for the name Glen. This decline continued through the decades, with the total number of births dropping below 100 per year after 2005. In recent years, the popularity has remained relatively low, with only 56 births recorded in 2023.
Overall, while the name Glen was quite popular during certain periods in the past, particularly in the early to mid-20th century, its popularity has significantly decreased in recent decades.