Brenda

Brenda is a feminine given name used in English-speaking countries. The name rose to popularity in the mid-20th century and has appeared in literature, television, and public life. It is almost exclusively feminine in modern usage, with rare historical exceptions for men. The spelling Brenda is the standard form in most languages that use the Latin alphabet.

Origin and meaning: The exact origin of Brenda is uncertain. It has been linked to Welsh and Germanic roots and is often treated as a feminine form related to Brendan, Branda, or Brand, though there is no universally agreed etymology. Some scholars view Brenda as a standalone given name that emerged in English-speaking communities in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Notable people named Brenda include Brenda Blethyn (born 1946), a British actress known for Secrets & Lies and Vera; Brenda Song (born 1988), an American actress and former child star; Brenda Vaccaro (born 1939), an American actress; and Brenda Strong (born 1960), an American actress and voice artist.

In fiction and media, the name appears with some regularity, including the long-running comic strip Brenda Starr, Reporter, who debuted in the 1940s.