Glendora is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Gleann Dòmhnaich," which translates to "valley of the little dark one." The name likely refers to the dark, narrow valleys found in Scotland's rugged landscape.
The name Glendora first gained popularity during the Victorian era in the 19th century. It was often used as a girl's name due to its melodic sound and distinctiveness. However, it is important to note that while Glendora has traditionally been associated with female usage, it can also be given to males.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Glendora. For instance, American actress Glendola "Glenda" Farrell was known for her roles in silent films during Hollywood's Golden Age. In literature, Glendora is also the name of a character in the novel "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins.
Despite its Scottish origins and historic usage, Glendora remains a rare name today, often chosen by parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their child. Its association with Scotland's beautiful landscapes and intriguing history continues to make it an appealing choice among those seeking a distinctive name with a rich heritage.
The name Glendora has seen a varied history of usage in the United States over the past century and a half. From 1883 to 1974, there were a total of 2,350 births registered with the name Glendora.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name's popularity fluctuated but remained relatively low, with annual birth counts ranging from a low of 5 in some years to a high of 17 in others. However, it is worth noting that there were no recorded births with the name Glendora between 1939 and 1948 inclusive.
The name's popularity peaked during the mid-20th century. In 1956, there were a total of 110 births registered as Glendora, which is by far the highest figure on record for this name. This high level of popularity was sustained over several years; from 1952 to 1957 inclusive, there were consistently more than 30 births annually.
After the late 1960s, however, the usage of the name Glendora began a steady decline in popularity. From 1968 onwards, annual birth counts never exceeded double digits. The most recent data available shows that there were only 6 births registered as Glendora in 1974.
Despite its fluctuations over time, the name Glendora has left its mark on American history, with a significant number of individuals bearing this distinctive moniker. It is fascinating to observe how societal tastes and trends influence naming practices across generations.