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Gloria

Girl name · 34 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Gloria: 34 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 2019.

Gloria carries a direct and radiant meaning—it comes directly from the Latin word for “glory,” and was popularised by Christians honouring the “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” hymn. The name felt especially modern when it entered wide use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, helped by George Bernard Shaw’s 1897 play *You Never Can Tell*, which featured a character named Gloria. Later, Hollywood icons Gloria Swanson and Gloria Vanderbilt kept the name glamorous through the silver-screen and fashion worlds. The name also shares its root with the Italian city of Gori, which derives from a similar Latin word for fame or honour. In Scotland, Gloria enjoyed a spike in popularity during the mid-20th century, and while less common today, it retains a vintage, elegant charm that appeals to parents looking for something classic yet distinctive.