Brenda

girlUncertain; possibly Old Norse

Brenda is an girl name of Uncertain; possibly Old Norse origin, meaning “Possibly 'sword'”.

MeaningPossibly 'sword'
GenderGirl
OriginUncertain; possibly Old Norse
PronunciationBREN-duh
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Canada

Meaning and origin of Brenda

Brenda is of debated origin. It is often linked to the Old Norse brandr, 'sword' or 'flame', as a Shetland name, while others connect it with the Irish Brendan. It spread through Walter Scott's novel The Pirate, set in Shetland, which features a heroine named Brenda. The name was very popular in the English-speaking world in the mid-twentieth century.

Is Brenda a religious name?

Brenda has no religious meaning; it is a secular name.

How popular is Brenda?

Common among women born in the 1940s to 1960s; rare for babies today.

Gifts with the name Brenda

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Brenda

Names similar to Brenda

GlendaWendyLindaRhonda

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Brenda mean?

Brenda means 'Possibly 'sword''. It is of Uncertain; possibly Old Norse origin.

Does Brenda have a religious meaning?

Brenda has no religious meaning; it is a secular name.

How do you pronounce Brenda?

Brenda is pronounced BREN-duh.

Is Brenda a boy or girl name?

Brenda is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.