Holding steady, #4,172 for girls today.
Popularity of Gwendolynn since 1921
Babies named Gwendolynn per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 30 |
| 1930s | 20 |
| 1940s | 88 |
| 1950s | 202 |
| 1960s | 120 |
| 1970s | 131 |
| 1980s | 92 |
| 1990s | 86 |
| 2000s | 205 |
| 2010s | 290 |
| 2020s | 190 |
Meaning & origin
Gwendolynn is a modern respelling of the Welsh classic Gwendolen, a name steeped in mythology and literary tradition. While the original Gwendolen has been used for centuries, this particular spelling variant first appeared in U.S. records in 1921. It remains a rare choice; in 2025, it ranked 4,172, with approximately 1 in 47,273 babies given the name. The name saw its peak popularity in 2023, and its trajectory in recent years has been stable. It is most common in Indiana, one of the top states for this spelling. This spelling offers a distinctive twist on the more familiar Gwendolyn, appealing to parents seeking a unique yet rooted name.
Gwendolynn is a modern respelling of Gwendolen, a name derived from the Welsh elements "gwen" (white, fair, blessed) and "dolen" (ring, bow). The name appears in Welsh legend as the wife of Merlin and has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century. This spelling variant, with a double "n," is a 20th-century innovation.
Where Gwendolynn is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gwen, Wendy, Lyn, Lynn
Variants: Gwendolen, Gwendoline, Gwendolyn
Sibling names for Gwendolynn
Names that share Gwendolynn's style, for a brother or sister.
