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Brenda

“Possibly 'sword' (Old Norse)” — Old Norse origin

Girl's name · #1527 in the US (2025) · Heirloom

Brenda reached its best rank, #11, in 1961 and ranked #1527 in 2025. In just three years its births jumped from about 230 in 1937 to 5,400 in 1940 — the years Brenda Frazier, 1938's 'Debutante of the Year,' filled the society pages.

Around the world: about 1 in 17,000 girls in Switzerland (2024).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 16 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Brendas

• Brenda Song — American actress and model (born 1988)
• Brenda Fricker — Irish actress
• Brenda Blethyn — British actress
• Brenda Vaccaro — American actress
• Brenda Lee — American singer and recording artist (born 1944)

In stories & tradition

• Brenda Walsh — Beverly Hills, 90210
• Brenda Leigh Johnson — The Closer
• Brenda Meeks — Scary Movie · Scary Movie 2

What Brendas become

Among 769 notable people named Brenda:

No single standout — notable Brendas spread across many fields.

Similar names: Linda · Brenna · Melinda · Wendy · Belinda · Carolyn

Browse more girl names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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