Glenn

♂ Boy

Pronounced GLEN /ɡlɛn/Low

Meaning: Valley; narrow mountain valleyLow

In 30 seconds: Glenn is a Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning valley, referring to a narrow mountain valley between hills. A classic mid-century American name, it carries the beauty of the highland landscape and the legacy of musical legends.

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Origin LowScottish, Irish Gaelic

MeaningValley; narrow mountain valley

U.S. rank (2025)#1443 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births124 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1962

Total births (all-time)≈ 248,641

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Glenn is from Scottish Gaelic gleann meaning a narrow mountain valley. It has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.

Glenn has a warm retro quality in the United States, associated with Glenn Miller, Glenn Close, and Glenn Campbell.

Did you know? Glenn Miller (1904-1944) created some of the 20th century's most beloved music before disappearing over the English Channel during WWII. His name Glenn carries the romance of the Big Band era.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name: Glenn

Variations

GlenGlenne

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Glenn Miller (1904–1944)
American big-band leader and trombonist whose swing recordings were among the most popular of the WWII era

If you like Glenn…

Dale— One-syllable valley name of same tradition

Lane— One-syllable path name of same generation

Dean— One-syllable valley-adjacent vintage name

Kent— One-syllable English place name

Explore names like Glenn

By themeclassic irish vintage scottish one-syllable valley

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Frequently Asked

What does Glenn mean?

Glenn means valley or narrow mountain valley from Scottish Gaelic gleann.

How do you pronounce Glenn?

Glenn is pronounced GLEN, a single syllable.

What is the origin of Glenn?

Glenn comes from Scottish, Irish Gaelic.

What names are similar to Glenn?

Similar names include Dale, Lane, and Dean.