Declining since 2022, #3,130 for girls today.
Popularity of Gwenivere since 1970
Babies named Gwenivere per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 188 |
| 2010s | 255 |
| 2020s | 363 |
Meaning & origin
Gwenivere, a variant of Guinevere, carries the medieval romance of Arthurian legend while remaining a relatively rare choice in modern times. First recorded in the U.S. in 1970, it reached its peak popularity in 2022, when it ranked highest among its small but dedicated usage. Since then, the name has been on a downward trajectory, reflecting a shift away from this particular spelling. With only 1 in 31,515 girls receiving the name in 2025, Gwenivere offers a distinctive option for parents drawn to Welsh heritage and literary history. Its top state, Colorado, suggests a regional preference for this elegant, storybook name.
Gwenivere is a variant of Guinevere, derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, composed of gwen, meaning 'white' or 'fair,' and hwyfar, meaning 'smooth' or 'phantom,' though debated as 'wave' or 'joy.' In Arthurian legend, Guinevere was the queen of King Arthur, a figure popularized in medieval romances. The name saw a revival in the 20th century through literary and popular culture references.
Where Gwenivere is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gwen, Vere, Niv
Sibling names for Gwenivere
Names that share Gwenivere's style, for a brother or sister.
