Find out how popular the first name Gwendelynn has been for the last 1 years (from 2008 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gwendelynn by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Gwendelynn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gwendelynn.

The history of the first name Gwendelynn

The name Gwendelynn is a modern English variant of the Welsh name Gwendolen, which itself derives from the Celtic elements "gwen" meaning fair or white, and "dolen" meaning ring or circle. This name likely originated in the early medieval period in Wales or other Celtic regions of Britain.

The roots of the name can be traced back to the 6th century, when the legendary British king Arviragus was said to have a daughter named Gwendolen. However, the earliest verified written record of the name appears in the 12th century French romance "Yvain, the Knight of the Lion" by Chrétien de Troyes, where Gwendoloena is a prominent character.

In the late 12th century, a historical figure named Gwendolen, daughter of Prince Rhys ap Gruffydd of Deheubarth in Wales, is documented. She married Ednyfed Fychan, a powerful Welsh leader, further establishing the name's use among the Welsh nobility.

Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, variations like Gwendolen, Gwendoline, and Gwendolyna appeared sporadically in historical records across Britain and France. One notable bearer was Gwendoline Bray (c. 1500-1565), an English courtier and lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine Parr.

In the 19th century, the name experienced a revival in popularity, likely influenced by its appearance in literary works such as Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur" and Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Idylls of the King". During this period, Gwendoline Charlotte Bingham (1829-1919), a British writer and educator, and Gwendoline Christie (1876-1924), an American opera singer, were famous bearers of the name.

The variant spelling Gwendelynn emerged in the late 20th century, likely as a modern elaboration on the traditional Welsh form. While less common, it has been used by a few notable individuals, such as Gwendelynn Daley (born 1976), a Canadian curler who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gwendelynn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gwendelynn, please contact us.

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