Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Glenn originates from Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'valley'. It has evolved from the Gaelic 'gleann' and has become a modern English name. It is known for its strong, simple traits and has no biblical relevance. Glenn has gained popularity since the 20th century and is often associated with nature.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ɡlɛn/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Glenn is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'gleann', which means 'valley'. It has been used as a given name since the 20th century.
Meaning
valley
Language Evolution
Gleann (Gaelic), Glen (Old Scottish), Glenn (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Glenn gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, particularly after the mid-1900s.
Variants & Derivatives
Glen, Glenda, Glennie
Modern Popularity & Image
Glenn is often perceived as a strong and simple name. It is associated with a sense of nature and peace due to its meaning.
Famous People
Glenn Close (actress), Glenn Frey (musician), Glenn Beck (political commentator)
📊 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 7,391 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 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 | 84th of 7545 | 36,353 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 77th of 6773 | 45,771 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 70th of 7552 | 107,833 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 128th of 10718 | 36,212 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 284th of 16616 | 13,656 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 713th of 24088 | 4,561 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1307th of 23106 | 1,705 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1400th of 9107 | 559 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1710th of 9204 | 410 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2090th of 12526 | 525 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4126th of 19264 | 232 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6516th of 27321 | 189 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 22670th of 35406 | 28 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
4.10% 58th/1416 |
8.19% 113th/1379 |
4.73% 112th/2366 |
4.99% 57th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
4.40% 68th/1546 |
5.72% 89th/1556 |
3.65% 86th/2353 |
5.37% 83rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
3.41% 76th/2227 |
2.18% 53rd/2430 |
2.49% 71st/2853 |
2.45% 68th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
4.87% 143rd/2937 |
2.18% 76th/3483 |
3.98% 140th/3518 |
4.01% 162nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
7.57% 279th/3685 |
4.60% 206th/4475 |
5.62% 292nd/5194 |
5.65% 357th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
16.76% 768th/4582 |
11.68% 603rd/5164 |
9.71% 710th/7313 |
11.24% 839th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
32.48% 1294th/3984 |
28.46% 1277th/4487 |
20.36% 1389th/6822 |
23.07% 1448th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
100.00% 1379th/1379 |
88.93% 2104th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
100.00% 1546th/1546 |
- |
81.68% 1922nd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
80.13% 2286th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
100.00% 3483rd/3483 |
- |
94.04% 3803rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
85.91% 5427th/6317 |
| 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 Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest 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 female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 84th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 77th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 70th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 128th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 284th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 713th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1307th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1400th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1710th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2090th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4126th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6516th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 22670th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.