Glenna is a feminine given name of English origin, derived as the feminine form of Glenn. The root name Glenn comes from a Scottish surname based on the Gaelic word gleann, meaning "valley," ultimately from Proto-Celtic *glendos.Etymology and HistoryThe name Glenn became popular as a masculine given name in the 20th century, particularly in the United States. Its feminization, Glenna, arose as a phonetic variant to distinguish female bearers from the more common male name. While Glenn itself has occasionally been used for women—such as the actress Glenn Close—Glenna provides a clearly feminine form. The name Glenna saw its peak popularity in the early to mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of Glenn as a masculine name.Notable BearersSeveral notable women have borne the name Glenna:Glenna Collett-Vare (1903–1989), a dominant American amateur golfer who won six U.S. Women's Amateur championships.Glenna Goodacre (1939–2020), an American sculptor best known for designing the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C.Glenna Matthews, an American historian and author specializing in women's history and the American West.Glenna Smith Tinnin (1877–1945), an American suffragist active in the women's voting rights movement.Other Glenna surnames include figures in art, politics, and journalism, listed in the brief's Wikipedia excerpt.Usage and DistributionGlenna is chiefly used in English-speaking countries, especially the United States, though it has appeared in Canada and the United Kingdom. It remains somewhat uncommon, having never reached the widespread popularity of related names like Glenys or Gwendolyn. Its vintage charm may appeal to parents seeking a distinctly feminine, nature-inspired namesake.Key FactsMeaning: Valley (via Glenna as feminine form of Glenn)Origin: Scottish Gaelic via the surname GlennType: Feminine given nameUsage Regions: United States, Canada, United Kingdom