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
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
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
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
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
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 by Generation - 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 by Generation - 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
This map shows relative popularity 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 in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Wyoming 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, usage 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, popularity patterns vary significantly: 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. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.