Glen Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Glen originates from Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'valley.' It evolved from Old Irish through Middle English to Modern English. The name is often associated with nature and has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and remains a strong, classic name with variants like Glenna and Glenda. Notable people with this name include Glen Campbell and Glen Close.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Glen"
Pronunciation
/ɡlɛn/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name 'Glen' is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'gleann,' which means 'valley.' It reflects a geographical feature, typically a narrow valley.
Meaning
valley
Language Evolution
Old Irish: gleand, Middle English: glen, Modern English: Glen
Historical Usage
The name Glen gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland, as surnames became common first names.
Variants & Derivatives
Glenna, Glenda, Glenys
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Glen is perceived as a strong, classic name often associated with natural landscapes and rural settings.
Famous People
Glen Campbell - American singer and songwriter, Glen Beck - American television and radio host, Glen Close - American actress
📊 Glen Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Glen Name Visualizations
✨ Glen Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,948 peak births in 1957
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Wyoming
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Glen" - Complete Guide (2 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Glen". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 2 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Glen" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Glen"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Glen"
"Glen" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 125th of 7545 | 21,690 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 128th of 6773 | 26,064 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 136th of 7552 | 45,834 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 200th of 10718 | 19,868 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 444th of 16616 | 7,185 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1084th of 24088 | 2,493 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1910th of 23106 | 965 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1678th of 9107 | 419 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1798th of 9204 | 379 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2650th of 12526 | 347 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6354th of 19264 | 116 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 18297th of 27321 | 23 |
Regional Popularity of "Glen" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
5.72% 81st/1416 |
21.61% 298th/1379 |
6.68% 158th/2366 |
6.57% 75th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
6.34% 98th/1546 |
14.27% 222nd/1556 |
5.57% 131st/2353 |
6.66% 103rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
5.39% 120th/2227 |
5.27% 128th/2430 |
5.22% 149th/2853 |
4.25% 118th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.40% 188th/2937 |
4.85% 169th/3483 |
6.42% 226th/3518 |
5.27% 213th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
10.37% 382nd/3685 |
8.54% 382nd/4475 |
8.80% 457th/5194 |
7.25% 458th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
22.57% 1034th/4582 |
20.95% 1082nd/5164 |
17.09% 1250th/7313 |
16.41% 1225th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
52.84% 2105th/3984 |
50.52% 2267th/4487 |
32.72% 2232nd/6822 |
35.33% 2217th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Glen" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
83.14% 1967th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
81.68% 1922nd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Glen"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Glen" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Glen" in the United States
The name Glen is most popular in Wyoming, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Glen has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Glen' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 125th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 128th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 136th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 200th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 444th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1084th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1910th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1678th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1798th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2650th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6354th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 18297th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Glen' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.