The girl's name Brenda \b-ren-da,br(e)-nda\ is pronounced BREN-dah. It is of Old Norse origin, and its meaning is "sword". Related to the English word "brand", meaning "to mark by burning". Until the 20th century, the name was used mainly in Scotland and Ireland. Its popularity in Gaelic-speaking countries has been influenced by its similarity to Brendan. Actress Brenda Vaccaro; comic strip heroine Brenda Starr.

ORIGIN
Old English

MEANING
Sword

Derived from Old Norse word, "brandr" and is also related to the English word, "brand," meaning "to mark by burning." Has become more popular in Gaelic-speaking countries because of its similarity to male name, Brendan and was mainly used in Scotland and Ireland until the 20th century. Name debuted on the chart in 1925 and peaked at No. 11 in 1961 during the fame and of singer Brenda Lee who is credited for having the most successful hits of any woman in the 1960s and was one of the earliest pop stars to have a major contemporary international following. The name continues to be fashioned by actress Brenda Lee Strong, who appears in the role of "Mary Alice Young" in the television cult show,"Desperate Housewives."

VARIATIONS
Brendan Brendt Brenon

ALTERNATIVES
Brennda Brynda Brenndah Brinda Brendah

NICKNAMES
Bren

FAMOUS Brendas
Brenda Blethyn (English actress) Brenda Vaccaro (actress)

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