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 "Makeover name game: from one gender to the other".
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
Brenda in the Forums
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!