Glenisha is a unique and captivating first name of American origin, derived from the Scottish surname Glennie, which means 'from the glen' or valley. This name gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly among African Americans, and has since become an appealing choice for parents seeking distinctive names for their daughters.
The name Glenisha is composed of two elements: 'Glen', derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'gleann', meaning valley or glen, and 'isha', a Hebrew element meaning 'woman'. Together, these components create a powerful and expressive moniker that resonates with parents who appreciate names with meaningful origins.
One notable aspect of the name Glenisha is its flexibility in pronunciation. While it is most commonly pronounced /gliːˈnɪʃə/ (GLY-neesh-ə), with emphasis on the second syllable, some may choose to emphasize the first syllable instead (/ˈɡliːnɪʃə/ GLIN-i-shə). This slight variation in pronunciation can add another layer of uniqueness to the name.
In popular culture, Glenisha has made sporadic appearances. One notable example is Glenisha "Glen" Singleton, a character from the American television series "Devious Maids," played by actress Brianna Gonzalez. While not extensively used in media, the name's rare occurrences contribute to its distinctive allure.
Overall, Glenisha is an attractive and uncommon first name that combines elements from Scottish and Hebrew origins. Its unique sound and flexible pronunciation make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter.
Glenisha experienced a peak in popularity during the early to mid-1990s with a total of 119 babies named Glenisha born over two decades (1979-2000). The name's usage seemed to fluctuate, with notable spikes in 1990 (11 births), 1992 (12 births), and again in 1996 (8 births). However, it seems the name's popularity began to wane towards the end of this period as there were fewer than 10 Glenisha births per year from 1994 onwards.