Glenna is a unique and uncommon female given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "gleann," which translates to "valley." It is believed that Glenna was originally used as a surname before becoming a popular first name for girls in the late Victorian era.
The name Glenna has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous Glennas was Glenna Collett Vare, an American golfer who won multiple national championships and set numerous records during her career in the 1920s and 1930s. Another notable figure is Glenna Goodacre, a Texas sculptor whose works include the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington D.C.
Despite its Scottish roots, Glenna has been adopted by various cultures around the world. In some instances, it has been anglicized to Glenn or Glenda, though these variations are less common than the original spelling.
Overall, Glenna is a distinctive and meaningful name with a rich history and a strong connection to nature. Its unique sound and Scottish heritage make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter that also has deep roots in history.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Glenna has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1880 to 1951, there was an overall increasing trend in the number of births with the name Glenna. The first peak occurred in 1926 with 467 births. However, after reaching a high of 645 births in 1951, there has been a steady decline in popularity.
Starting from the late 1950s, the number of babies named Glenna began to decrease significantly. The lowest point was reached in 2005 with only 8 births that year. Since then, the name has remained relatively uncommon, although it hasn't completely disappeared from birth records.
It's interesting to note that there were brief periods of increased popularity for the name Glenna during the 1960s and 1970s. For example, in 1962, there were 298 births with this name, compared to 241 in 1963. Similarly, in 1975, there were 99 births, while in the following year, 1976, there were only 85.
In recent years, Glenna has remained a rare choice for parents in the United States, with fewer than 20 births each year from 2003 to 2022. Despite its decline in popularity, it's still possible to find individuals named Glenna today, and who knows, perhaps the name will see a resurgence in future years!