What does Guinevere mean and where does it come from?
Guinevere is a name of Welsh origin, closely associated with the Arthurian legend. She is famously known as the wife of King Arthur and her tragic romance with Lancelot has been a subject in various literary works. The first recorded use of the name Guinevere appears in the 12th century in the works
Cultural significance
Guinevere has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #899 in 2025 — currently #899 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Guinevere?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Guinevere?
Guinevere works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Guinevere Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Guinevere Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Guinevere Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Guinevere Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Guinevere Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Guinevere Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Guinevere right now?
Rising — up 47 spots — currently #899 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #899 | 295 | ▲ up 47 · +6% births |
| 2024 | #946 | 279 | ▲ up 63 · +11% births |
| 2023 | #1009 | 251 | ▼ down 93 · -16% births |
| 2022 | #916 | 299 | ▲ up 55 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #971 | 267 | ▲ up 40 · +8% births |
| 2020 | #1011 | 247 | ▲ up 336 · +40% births |
| 2015 | #1347 | 176 | ▲ up 1592 · +203% births |
| 2010 | #2939 | 58 | ▼ down 556 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #2383 | 74 | ▲ up 750 · +68% births |
| 2000 | #3133 | 44 | ▲ up 2866 · +193% births |
| 1995 | #5999 | 15 | ▼ down 1106 · -21% births |
| 1990 | #4893 | 19 | ▲ up 4 · +27% births |
| 1985 | #4897 | 15 | ▼ down 1015 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #3882 | 20 | ▲ up 532 · +43% births |
| 1975 | #4414 | 14 | — |
The story of Guinevere
Guinevere entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 3,195 total births recorded, Guinevere remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1797 in 1915 to #1009 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Guinevere in 2025:
Guinevere by decade
Guinevere peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 132 | |
| 1920s | 145 | |
| 1930s | 68 | |
| 1940s | 46 | |
| 1950s | 29 | |
| 1960s | 39 | |
| 1970s | 167 | |
| 1980s | 163 | |
| 1990s | 183 | |
| 2000s | 589 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,387 | |
| 2020s | 821 | |
💎With 3,195 total births, Guinevere is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Guinevere?
ENGLISH
JenJenaJenaeJenelleJenessaJeniJennJennaJenniJennieJenny
What names sound and feel like Guinevere?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Guinevere also consider these
How is Guinevere written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Guinevere
What does the name Guinevere mean?
Guinevere means "Welsh" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Guinevere?
Guinevere is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Guinevere have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Guinevere?
Guinevere originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Guinevere?
Guinevere is a three-syllable name pronounced GIN-EV-ER. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Guinevere?
Guinevere pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar England heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.