Gwenevere Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Gwenevere has Welsh origins, derived from the elements meaning 'fair' and 'phantom'. It evolved through historical forms like Gwenhwyfar and Guinevere, reflecting its ties to Arthurian legend. The name conveys traits of beauty and nobility, though it has no biblical relevance. Its popularity surged with medieval literature, and it remains associated with romantic narratives.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Gwenevere"
Pronunciation
/ɡwɛnəˈvɪr/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Gwenevere is derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which is composed of the elements 'gwen' meaning 'fair' or 'blessed' and 'hwyfar' meaning 'phantom' or 'spectrum'.
Meaning
fair one, blessed
Language Evolution
Gwenhwyfar, Guinevere, Gwenevere
Historical Usage
Gwenevere gained popularity in the Arthurian legends during the 12th century, particularly through the works of Geoffrey of Monmouth and later writers who contributed to the Arthurian cycle.
Variants & Derivatives
Guinevere, Gwen, Gwenyvere
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Gwenevere is often associated with themes of romance and tragedy due to its connections with the legendary queen and her relationship with King Arthur, maintaining a mystical and noble image.
Famous People
Guinevere, legendary queen of King Arthur, Guinevere Beck, character from the novel 'You' by Caroline Kepnes
📊 Gwenevere Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Gwenevere Name Visualizations
✨ Gwenevere Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 55 peak births in 2019
Geographic Spread
Popular across 7 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Gwenevere"
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 "Gwenevere"
"Gwenevere" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3203rd of 12526 | 259 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8210th of 19264 | 71 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 22013th of 27321 | 12 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6663rd of 35406 | 283 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3560th of 30306 | 527 |
Regional Popularity of "Gwenevere" 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 "Gwenevere" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
79.14% 2258th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
78.18% 3508th/4487 |
66.97% 4569th/6822 |
91.95% 5771st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Gwenevere"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Gwenevere" 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 "Gwenevere" in the United States
The name Gwenevere is most popular in Alabama, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Gwenevere has been stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Gwenevere' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3203rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8210th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 22013th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6663rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3560th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Gwenevere' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.