In Scottish, name Brenda means – From the Norse, meaning sword or torch, this name was originally used only in the Shetland Isles of Scotland, but spread to other parts of the English-speaking world after Brenda appeared as a heroine in Sir Walter Scotts 1822 novel The Pirate.. Other origins for name Brenda include – Scottish, Scandinavian, Gaelic, Irish. Name Brenda is most often used as a girl name or female name.