Real meaning behind Glinda’s name in Wicked as fans only just realise Elphaba has secret definition too

The name Glinda may have shot into the spotlight due to the Wizard of Oz and Wicked but it actually has historical origins stretching back before the films hit the big screen.

Ever since the film adaptation of the hit 2003 musical hit cinemas last month, we've all been absolutely obsessed with all things Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

The Wicked press tour goes viral

From their extremely emotional press interviews and some pretty prophetic throwback tweets all the way through to the shock over Grande's humour, fans simply can't get enough of the celebrity pair.

Now, the name of Erivo's character is super unique - something which has prompted fans of Wicked to wonder where the origins of it came from.

Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked (Universal)

The meaning behind Elphaba's name

Wicked's author Gregory Maguire has revealed exactly how he came up with the one-of-a-kind name.

The character's moniker is actually a subtle nod to the author of the original The Wizard of Oz book, L. Frank Baum, which came out over a century ago back in 1900.

In the 2024 adaptation, the name 'Elphaba' is a clever adaptation of Baum’s initials, 'L. F. B'.

Maguire has since opened up about how he came up with the name as The Wicked Witch of the West doesn't actually have a name in the original tellings of The Wizard of Oz, either by Baum or their subsequent film adaptations.

This was something Maguire wanted to change completely.

The author explained on GBH’s Morning Edition that he came up with the name by experimenting with different combinations.

"I invented the name by playing with the initials of the author, Lyman Frank Baum," Maguire shared.

"I tried Lafaba, I tried Lafeyba. And then I tried Elphaba. As soon as I got Elphaba, I thought, oh, that’s it."

Fans are also just realising the meaning behind the name 'Glinda' (Universal)

And what about Glinda's name?

Well, according to The Bump, the name has Welsh origins and is believed to be a variant of Glenda which is described as another feminine name meaning 'clean goodness'.

Nameberry adds: "The name may be related to the Welsh Glenda, itself a 20th century invention or to the Germanic Galinda, as used by Gregory Maguire in his Wizard of Oz spin off, Wicked."

"The name Glinda finds its roots in the English language and is derived from the word pretty," Ancestry.com also notes. "This name has an enchanting history that can be traced back to medieval times. In ancient England, Glinda was commonly used to describe a woman of exceptional beauty. Over the years, the name gradually gained popularity and became more widely known."