Rising since 1988, #898 for girls today.
Popularity of Guinevere since 1912
Babies named Guinevere per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 132 |
| 1920s | 145 |
| 1930s | 68 |
| 1940s | 46 |
| 1950s | 29 |
| 1960s | 39 |
| 1970s | 167 |
| 1980s | 163 |
| 1990s | 183 |
| 2000s | 589 |
| 2010s | 1,390 |
| 2020s | 1,641 |
Meaning & origin
Guinevere, ranking 898th in 2025, is a name that has been climbing in popularity since 1988, reflecting a growing interest in Arthurian and vintage names. With a 1-in-5,448 rate, it remains a distinctive choice. Its peak year was 2025, suggesting a recent surge, and it is most common in New Hampshire, Oregon, and Colorado. The name's etymology, tied to the Welsh Gwenhwyfar, evokes images of white waves or phantoms, adding a layer of mythic allure. While not in the top tier, Guinevere's steady rise over decades indicates a sustained appeal among parents seeking a name with literary and historical depth.
Guinevere is the English form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, from gwen (white, fair, blessed) and an uncertain second element, often interpreted as 'phantom' or 'wave'. It is best known as the name of King Arthur's queen in Arthurian legend, first appearing in Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century 'Historia Regum Britanniae'. The name has been used in England since the medieval period and experienced a revival in the 19th century.
Where Guinevere is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gwen, Gwennie, Vera, Guin
Sibling names for Guinevere
Names that share Guinevere's style, for a brother or sister.
