Find out how popular the first name Gwenevieve has been for the last 15 years (from 2008 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gwenevieve by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Gwenevieve is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gwenevieve.

The history of the first name Gwenevieve

The name Gwenevieve has its origins in the Celtic languages, specifically the Brythonic branch spoken in ancient Britain and parts of modern-day France. It is derived from the Welsh or Breton words "gwen," meaning fair or blessed, and "hayl," meaning smooth or level. Thus, the name can be interpreted as meaning "the smooth or blessed one."

The earliest recorded spelling of the name appears to be Gwenhwyvar, which was the Welsh form of the name of the legendary Queen Guinevere from the Arthurian legends. These tales, which date back to the 6th century or earlier, were among the first literary works to feature this name.

In the 9th century, the name appeared in its more modern spelling of Gwenevieve in the hagiography (sacred biography) of Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. According to legend, Saint Genevieve was a young shepherdess who, through her piety and courage, helped defend the city of Paris from the invading Huns in the 5th century.

Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the name Gwenevieve remained popular among the nobility and upper classes, particularly in France and Britain. Notable historical figures who bore this name include Gwenevieve de Brabant (c. 1286–1354), a Duchess of Bavaria, and Gwenevieve de Nanterre (c. 422–512), the aforementioned Saint Genevieve of Paris.

In the 17th century, the French dramatist Molière featured a character named Gwenevieve in his play "L'Amour Médecin" (The Love Doctor), further popularizing the name. Around the same time, the English poet John Milton used the spelling Guendolen in his epic work "Paradise Lost" (1667), referring to the character of Guinevere from the Arthurian tales.

Other notable individuals with the name Gwenevieve include Gwenevieve Austen (1693–1737), an English writer and sister of the famous novelist Jane Austen, and Gwenevieve Terrill (1862–1944), an American author and activist for women's rights.

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 Gwenevieve was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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