Brenda
Girl name · 262 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Brenda: 262 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 45 births in 1974.
Brenda is a name of Old Norse origin, derived from the element "brandr," meaning "sword" or "torch," though in Gaelic contexts, it is often linked to the Celtic word for "raven" or "prince." It rose to prominence in 20th-century Scotland, with famous bearers including the beloved Scottish singer Brenda Cochrane, known for her folk ballads, and the American actress Brenda Vaccaro. No notable places are directly named after Brenda, but the root "brandr" appears in place names like Brandy Cove in Wales. A variant, Brendalina, adds a lyrical twist, while cultural associations often recall the 1960s pop hit "Brenda" by The Beatles—a nod to the name's mid-century charm that still feels fresh today.
Girl 18 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 197445 babies
- Latest (1994)
- #6293 babies
- Total births
- 262since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 41%vs prior 5y