Brenda \b-ren-da, br(e)-nda\ as a girl's name is pronounced BREN-dah. It is of Old Norse origin, and the meaning of Brenda 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.

Brenda has 14 variant forms: Bren, Brendah, Brendalynn, Brendell, Brendette, Brendie, Brendolyn, Brendyl, Brenn, Brennda, Brenndah, Brinda, Brynda and Labrenda.

Baby names that sound like Brenda are Branda, Breonda and Breanda.