Declining since 1999.
Popularity of Jeniffer since 1947
Babies named Jeniffer per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 16 |
| 1960s | 207 |
| 1970s | 785 |
| 1980s | 858 |
| 1990s | 972 |
| 2000s | 705 |
| 2010s | 99 |
| 2020s | 9 |
Meaning & origin
Jeniffer is a variant spelling of Jennifer, which was one of the most popular names for girls in the United States during the late 20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1947, but its usage spiked in the 1990s, peaking in 1999. Since that peak year, the name has been on a steady decline, reflecting the broader trajectory of the Jennifer phenomenon. While Jennifer itself soared to the top of the charts, Jeniffer remained a less common alternative, never ranking in the top 1,000. The name's similarity to Jennifer means it shares the same etymology from the Welsh Gwenhwyfar, connecting it to the legendary Queen Guinevere. As of 2025, the name continues to fall in usage, and it has no strong association with any particular U.S. state, making it a rare choice among modern baby names.
Jeniffer is a variant spelling of Jennifer, which itself derives from the Cornish form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere). The name Gwenhwyfar is composed of the elements 'gwen' meaning 'white, fair, blessed' and 'hwyfar' meaning 'smooth, soft' or possibly 'phantom, spirit'. Jennifer became popular in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, and Jeniffer emerged as a less common variation during that time.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jen, Jenny, Niff
Sibling names for Jeniffer
Names that share Jeniffer's style, for a brother or sister.
