Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Glen
BoyScottish· “valley”
- Meaning
- valley
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- GLEHN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,026
- US babies 2025
- 74
- Best rank
- #112 (1931)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Glen
Glen is a Scottish name that means “valley”.
Glen comes from the Scottish Gaelic gleann, meaning valley, and it describes the narrow valleys of the Scottish Highlands. The word entered English and later became a given name, popular in the mid-twentieth century in English-speaking countries. Glen can also be spelled Glenn. Notable bearers include astronaut John Glenn, whose surname it was, and bandleader Glenn Miller. Glen has a calm, outdoorsy feel and a simple, classic sound. It is usually pronounced GLEN.
Other spellings with the same sound: Glenn.
Popularity over time
Glen has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 124 different years. Its best national rank was #112 in 1931, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 2,924 were named Glen. In 2025, 74 babies were named Glen, and it ranked #2,026 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #122 in 1920, #125 in 1950, #319 in 1980, #765 in 2000, #1,659 in 2010, and #2,026 in 2025. Of the 125,706 US boys named Glen since records began, 20% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 21,877 babies. Since 2010, 1,350 more have been named Glen.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ray, Guy, Rickey, Daryl, and Ted.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Glen ranked highest in Indiana, Ohio, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | #995 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1155 | 6 |
| Texas | #2161 | 7 |
| California | #2293 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Glen is usually pronounced GLEHN, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with G and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Glenn.
Middle names for Glen
A few middle names that flow with Glen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Glen
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Lists that include Glen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Glen mean?
Glen is a Scottish name that means “valley”.
What is the origin of the name Glen?
Glen has Scottish roots. Glen comes from the Scottish Gaelic gleann, meaning valley, and it describes the narrow valleys of the Scottish Highlands.
Is Glen a popular name?
Not especially. Glen ranked #2,026 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Glen a boy or girl name?
Glen is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Glen?
Glen is usually pronounced GLEHN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings