A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Gwen since 1890
Babies named Gwen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 60 |
| 1900s | 186 |
| 1910s | 716 |
| 1920s | 1,337 |
| 1930s | 2,808 |
| 1940s | 4,050 |
| 1950s | 6,780 |
| 1960s | 5,961 |
| 1970s | 2,753 |
| 1980s | 1,071 |
| 1990s | 512 |
| 2000s | 1,453 |
| 2010s | 2,817 |
| 2020s | 2,113 |
Meaning & origin
Gwen is a Welsh name that has maintained a steady presence in the United States since the late 19th century, first recorded in 1890. Its peak popularity came in 1959, when it ranked highest among birth names. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 1994, reflecting a renewed interest in short, classic Welsh names. In recent years, Gwen has been particularly favored in states such as Utah, Idaho, and Indiana. While never extremely common, it offers a straightforward yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with deep Welsh roots and a gentle meaning.
Gwen is a Welsh name derived from the element 'gwyn', meaning 'white, fair, blessed'. It is often used as a short form of longer Welsh names such as Gwenllian or Gwendolen but has been used independently since at least the 19th century. The name has also been adopted in English-speaking countries, where it was most popular in the United States during the 1950s.
Where Gwen is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gwen” around the world
Where Gwen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Sibling names for Gwen
Names that share Gwen's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Megan, Carys, Bethan, Sian, Rhiannon, Wynne, Bronwyn, Brynne, Gwenyth, Bronwen, Elen, Rhianon, Quenna, Rhiann, Rhiannan
Brothers: Dylan, Evan, Owen, Rhys, Gareth, Bowen, Caron, Evans, Howell, Lloyd, Loyd, Merlin, Trever, Vaughn, Wynn, Glyn, Graig, Steffan, Trystan, Aeron, Bevan, Bren, Carvin, Llewyn, Owyn, Rees, Armel, Bard, Brenin, Calan, Garreth, Griff, Gwin, Madoc, Pryce, Trevar, Yann, Shuan, Brodric, Cambren, Geral, Leng, Lloyde, Morgon, Owain, Rhyse
