Declining since 2015, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Gwendolen since 1903
Babies named Gwendolen per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1971, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gwendolen's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 12 |
| 1910s | 28 |
| 1920s | 33 |
| 1930s | 21 |
| 1940s | 19 |
| 1950s | 76 |
| 1960s | 157 |
| 1970s | 209 |
| 1980s | 41 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 40 |
| 2010s | 157 |
| 2020s | 80 |
Meaning & origin
Gwendolen is a rare name in modern times, ranking 8,860 in the latest year (2025), with a 1-in-146,115 birth frequency. Its only recorded peak year was 1903, when it first appeared in the data at that same rank. Since 2015, its trajectory has been falling, indicating minimal contemporary use. The name has strong Welsh roots and literary associations, though its exact etymology is debated. Its spelling variant Gwendolyn is far more common today, while Gwendolen retains an old-fashioned, literary feel. It has never been associated with any top states in the data. The name's historical depth and distinctive sound make it a choice for parents seeking a traditional but uncommon name.
Gwendolen is a Welsh name of uncertain derivation. It is often linked to the elements 'gwen' (white, fair, blessed) and 'dolen' (ring, bow), suggesting 'white ring' or 'blessed bow'. Another theory connects it to Gwendoline, a variant that became more common in the 20th century. The name appears in medieval Welsh legend as the queen of the Britons who defeated her husband Locrinus in battle. It saw limited use in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onward.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gwen, Wendy, Lennie, Dolly
Variants: Gwendoline, Gwendolyn, Gwendolenne
Sibling names for Gwendolen
Names that share Gwendolen's style, for a brother or sister.
