What does Guinivere mean and where does it come from?
Guinivere is a name steeped in Arthurian legend, known as the wife of King Arthur and notable for her beauty and tragic love story with Lancelot. The name's medieval roots are intertwined with folklore and literature, making it prevalent in many retellings of Arthurian tales.
Cultural significance
Guinivere has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from 'gwenhwyfar', meaning 'white phantom' or 'fair one'..
Peak popularity
Reached #16288 in 2005 — currently #1543 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Guinivere?
Guinivere works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Guinivere Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Guinivere Rose
Floral · soft ending
Guinivere Mae
Sweet · timeless
Guinivere Claire
French influence · crisp
Guinivere Jane
Literary · strong
Guinivere Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Guinivere right now?
Holding steady — currently #1543 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1543 | 657 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1548 | 637 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1553 | 607 | ▲ up 14735 · +10017% births |
| 2005 | #16288 | 6 | — |
The story of Guinivere
Guinivere is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2005. With 22 total births recorded, Guinivere remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16288 in 2005 to #1543 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Guinivere in 2005:
💎Guinivere has only 22 total recorded births since 2005 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Guinivere?
Common
GuiGuinGuinieGuinyEre
What names sound and feel like Guinivere?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Guinivere also consider these
Common questions about the name Guinivere
What does the name Guinivere mean?
Guinivere means "Derived from 'Gwenhwyfar', meaning 'white phantom' or 'fair one'." — a name rooted in Welsh 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 Guinivere?
Guinivere is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Guinivere?
Guinivere originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Guinivere?
Guinivere pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Welsh heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Guinivere a common or rare name?
Guinivere is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.