The name Brenda is a girl's name of Celtic origin meaning "blade of a sword". Brenda is ranked #915 on our popularity charts and is often added to lists like Midcentury Baby Names and discussed in our forums with posts like "A brother or sister for little Jack or Olivia".
From the experts:
First the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's 1822 novel The Pirate, then a glamorous 1940s debutante, then the troubled twin on Beverly Hills 90210, and now fading in favor of more modern Brenna, Briana, and Bryn. Much more likely to be worn by a mother or grandmother these days. The song "Brenda's Got a Baby" was late rap megastar Tupac's debut single.
Lists containing Brenda:
See All List CategoriesBrenda in Blog Posts
Comments
Bliss3589 Says:
afluffmuffin Says:
i didn't really like it before but the meaning makes it more appealing
indiefendi2 Says:
I get why people see it as a "mom" name, but I actually knew a girl my age but younger than me named Brenda. I think if Vivian (the mommiest name to me, up there with Barbara) and especially Matilda can make a comeback so can Brenda.
paulapuddephatt Says:
I kind of like this name.
snowsbeloved Says:
This was one of my first #1 most liked names (preceded by Michelle and followed by Paisley). But I thought it meant "princess", the feminine form of Brendan.
Nozomi Says:
Never really liked it. But after reading The Maze Runner series I really don't know how I feel about this...
AriellaBar Says:
I didn't know this was Celtic. My great-grandmother in Poland was named this. I love the fierce meaning!
nessette Says:
I get the impression that people don't like this name, but I'm kind of intensely crushing on it. There's a fierceness to it that I can't help but enjoy.
lesliemarion Says:
Oh, but as a teacher of many years I am so sick of Brenna, Briana, Brianna, Bryn, Brianda type names that I feel I will scream if I get one more. Like all the Kaitlyns. Blah. A Brenda would be enchanting to know.
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I'm a Brenda. I've never met another Brenda that wasn't at least 15 years older than me (I'm 37). I've never really loved the name, but I was always the only Brenda in class or at work, and everyone always knew how to spell and pronounce it. I really appreciate seeing the positive comment section!