Glenn

Etymology

Glenn is a given name and surname of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word gleann, meaning "valley". The surname originally described someone who lived in or near a valley, and it was later adopted as a given name in the 19th century. As a first name, Glenn is predominantly masculine, though it has occasionally been used for females, notably the actress Glenn Close.

History and Popularity

The name Glenn gained prominence in the United States through notable bearers such as actor Glenn Ford (1916–2006) and astronaut John Glenn (1921–2016), the first American to orbit the Earth. Following John Glenn's historic 1962 flight, the name peaked in popularity for boys in the U.S. In Sweden, Glenn is particularly common in the western region, especially in Gothenburg, due to a historical influx of Scottish immigrants. The name was famously associated with four players of the local football team IFK Göteborg in the 1980s, including Glenn Hysén and Glenn Strömberg.

Notable Bearers

Several notable individuals bear the given name Glenn:

• Glenn Frey (1948–2016), American rock musician and founding member of The Eagles
• Glenn Gould (1932–1982), celebrated Canadian classical pianist
• Glenn Danzig (born 1955), American musician and frontman of the band Misfits
• Glenn Branca (1948–2018), American avant-garde composer and guitarist

Variants and Related Names

A feminine variant, Glenna, exists but is rare. The name's strong association with male bearers has kept it from widely catching on as a female name.

• Meaning: Valley (from Gaelic gleann)
• Origin: Scottish and Irish
• Type: Given name and surname
• Usage regions: English-speaking world, Sweden