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Gloria

♀ Girl

Pronounced GLOR-ee-uh /ˈɡlɔːr.i.ə/High

Meaning: Directly from the Latin word gloria meaning glory, fame, or renown; used as a Christian name due to the Gloria in excelsis Deo — the doxology sung in Christian liturgyHigh

In 30 seconds: A radiant Latin name meaning glory, Gloria has both Christian liturgical roots and mid-century Hollywood glamour, borne by stars from Gloria Swanson to Gloria Estefan.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningDirectly from the Latin word gloria meaning glory, fame, or renown; used as a Christian name due to the Gloria in excelsis Deo — the doxology sung in Christian liturgy
U.S. rank (2025)#655 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births437 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1947
Total births (all-time)≈ 415,273

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194718812025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Gloria is taken directly from the Latin word gloria, meaning glory, fame, or renown. The name entered Christian use through the liturgy, particularly the Gloria in excelsis Deo, a hymn of praise that has been sung in Christian worship since late antiquity. As a given name, Gloria began appearing in English-speaking countries in the late 19th century, rising through the early 20th century.

Gloria peaked in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, a golden era of Hollywood glamour when stars like Gloria Swanson set the tone. The name declined through the latter 20th century but has maintained a warm association with confident, vibrant women. Singer Gloria Estefan and feminist icon Gloria Steinem kept the name's cultural presence alive. Today Gloria is being gently reconsidered as a vintage name with real meaning and flair.

Did you know? The phrase Gloria in excelsis Deo — 'glory to God in the highest' — is the opening of the Greater Doxology sung in Christian services for nearly two millennia, making Gloria one of the most liturgically resonant given names.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Gloria — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

GloryGloriana

Nicknames

GloGlori

Famous Bearers

  • ★Gloria Estefan (1957–present)
    Cuban-American singer and musician.
  • ★Gloria Steinem (1934–present)
    American feminist activist and journalist, a leader of second-wave feminism and co-founder of Ms. magazine.

If you like Gloria…

Vera— shares the same short Latin meaning (truth vs. glory) and the same mid-century revival arc
Vivian— fellow vintage Latin-rooted name with the same vivacious mid-century peak
Dorothy— shares the same 1930s–40s peak and the same dignified vintage-revival appeal
Leonora— another multi-syllable vintage Latin name with the same bold, radiant character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gloria mean?

Gloria means glory or fame, directly from the Latin word gloria. It is also the opening word of Gloria in excelsis Deo, the famous Christian hymn of praise.

How do you pronounce Gloria?

It is said GLOR-ee-uh /ˈɡlɔːr.i.ə/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Gloria an old-fashioned name?

Gloria peaked in the 1930s–40s and is considered a vintage name that is slowly being revived by parents who appreciate its bold Latin meaning.

Who are famous women named Gloria?

Famous Glorias include singer Gloria Estefan and feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem.