Gwendolen Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Gwendolen is a Welsh name meaning 'fair ring', derived from the elements 'gwen' and 'dolen'. It has evolved through various forms in the Welsh language and has gained popularity since the 19th century, particularly in literature. The name suggests traits of beauty and strength, with no direct biblical relevance, and remains a classic choice today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Gwendolen"
Pronunciation
/ˈɡwɛndələn/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Gwendolen is derived from the Welsh elements 'gwen', meaning 'fair, blessed, or white', and 'dolen', meaning 'ring' or 'loop', thus combining to suggest 'blessed ring' or 'white ring'.
Meaning
fair ring
Language Evolution
Gwendolen (modern Welsh), Gwendolyn (Anglicized form), Gwendolen (Old Welsh)
Historical Usage
Gwendolen gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly due to its use in literature and its association with Arthurian legends.
Variants & Derivatives
Gwendolyn, Gwen, Gwenyth
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Gwendolen is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with strength and beauty. It carries a whimsical yet sophisticated image.
Famous People
Gwendolen Fairfax (a character in Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest'), Gwendolen (a character in the Arthurian legends), Gwendolyn Brooks (American poet and author)
📊 Gwendolen Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Gwendolen Name Visualizations
✨ Gwendolen Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 34 peak births in 1971
Geographic Spread
Popular across 0 US states, with strongest presence in various regions
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Gwendolen"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Gwendolen"
"Gwendolen" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4543rd of 9107 | 68 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5907th of 9204 | 33 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4585th of 12526 | 140 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3307th of 19264 | 325 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 14820th of 27321 | 41 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15946th of 35406 | 68 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 6958th of 30306 | 202 |
Regional Popularity of "Gwendolen" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Gwendolen" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Gwendolen"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Gwendolen" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Gwendolen" in the United States
Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Across generations, 'Gwendolen' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4543rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5907th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4585th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3307th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 14820th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15946th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6958th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Gwendolen' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.