Glen

boyScottish Gaelic

Glen is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning “Valley”.

MeaningValley
GenderBoy
OriginScottish Gaelic
PronunciationGLEN
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inScotland, United States, Canada, Australia

Meaning and origin of Glen

Glen comes from the Scottish Gaelic gleann, 'valley', a word used in many Scottish place names. It became a given name in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, first in Scotland and then widely in North America and Australia. Glen and Glenn are equally old as given names. The word evokes the landscape of the Highlands. It is sometimes found as a middle name too.

Is Glen a religious name?

Glen is a nature and place word with no religious background.

How popular is Glen?

Common for men born in the mid-twentieth century; rarely given to babies now.

Gifts with the name Glen

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Spellings and variants of Glen

GlennGlynGlynn

Names similar to Glen

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Glen mean?

Glen means 'Valley'. It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

Does Glen have a religious meaning?

Glen is a nature and place word with no religious background.

How do you pronounce Glen?

Glen is pronounced GLEN.

Is Glen a boy or girl name?

Glen is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.