Rising since 1994, #3,577 for girls today.
Popularity of Gwenevere since 1921
Babies named Gwenevere per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 157 |
| 1960s | 146 |
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 165 |
| 2010s | 436 |
| 2020s | 241 |
Meaning & origin
Gwenevere is a rare, romantic elaboration of the Arthurian classic Guinevere. First recorded in the United States in 1921, the name has never been common but has shown a steady upward trend since 1994, reflecting a broader revival of medieval and mythological names. In 2025 it ranked 3,577th, with approximately 1 in 38,268 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak year came in 2019, suggesting a recent surge in interest. The name is most frequently given in Florida, though its use remains scattered. Gweneve's allure lies in its lyrical spelling, which softens the original's strong consonants while retaining the legendary association. Parents drawn to names like Gwendolyn or Genevieve may find Gwenevere a distinctive yet connected alternative.
Gwenevere is an English variant of Guinevere, the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar. The first element is gwen 'white, fair, blessed'. The second element is debated: it may be hwyfar 'smooth, soft' or ffrwd 'stream, wave', giving meanings such as 'white phantom' or 'white wave'. The name is best known from Arthurian legend as the wife of King Arthur. The spelling Gwenevere appears in the United States as a rare but enduring variant, first recorded in 1921.
Where Gwenevere is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gwen, Vere, Nev, Gwenny
Sibling names for Gwenevere
Names that share Gwenevere's style, for a brother or sister.
