GLEN
Glen
Origin and Meanings
Glen is a surname of Scottish origin denoting a valley, typically narrow, wooded, and with a river or stream running through it. The name is derived from the Gaelic word gleann. Its use as a surname is primarily found in Scotland.
Historical Significance
The Glen surname can be traced back to ancient Scottish clans and families, with bearers of the name often having ties to specific regions, such as the Glen family of Glen. Many individuals with the surname Glen have ancestral connections to the Highlands of Scotland, known for its picturesque glens.
Distribution and Popularity
The Glen surname is relatively uncommon in comparison to more widespread Scottish surnames. However, it has been carried across the globe by descendants of Scottish immigrants, particularly to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous Individuals
One notable individual with the surname Glen is actor Iain Glen, known for his roles in film and television, including Game of Thrones. His success has helped bring the Glen surname into the public eye.
There are approximately 4,940 people named Glen in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,910th most common surname in Britain. Around 76 in a million people in Britain are named Glen.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Robert
- William
Female
- Alison
- Angela
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Jean
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.