What does Guinn mean and where does it come from?
Guinn is of Irish origin, often seen as a variation of the name Gwyn or Gwen, which means 'fair' or 'white' in Welsh. This name carries connotations of purity and brightness. While Guinn is more commonly a surname in Ireland, it has gained popularity as a given name, especially in American contexts.
Cultural significance
Guinn has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fair; white.
Peak popularity
Reached #2477 in 1912 — currently #903 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Guinn?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Guinn?
Guinn works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Guinn Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Guinn Rose
Floral · soft ending
Guinn Mae
Sweet · timeless
Guinn Claire
French influence · crisp
Guinn Jane
Literary · strong
Guinn Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Guinn right now?
Holding steady — currently #903 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #903 | 1,297 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #908 | 1,277 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #913 | 1,247 | ▲ up 2231 · +20683% births |
| 1945 | #3144 | 6 | ▼ down 381 · -25% births |
| 1940 | #2763 | 8 | ▲ up 658 · +33% births |
| 1935 | #3421 | 6 | ▼ down 518 · -33% births |
| 1930 | #2903 | 9 | ▲ up 972 · +50% births |
| 1925 | #3875 | 6 | ▲ up 584 · +20% births |
| 1920 | #4459 | 5 | ▼ down 489 |
| 1915 | #3970 | 5 | — |
The story of Guinn
Guinn entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 168 total births recorded, Guinn remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3970 in 1915 to #903 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Guinn in 1912:
Guinn by decade
Guinn peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s ★ | 71 | |
| 1930s | 35 | |
| 1940s | 40 | |
| 1950s | 11 | |
💎Guinn has only 168 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Guinn?
What names sound and feel like Guinn?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Guinn also consider these
Common questions about the name Guinn
What does the name Guinn mean?
Guinn means "Fair; white" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Guinn?
Guinn is currently ranked #903 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Guinn?
Guinn originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Guinn?
Guinn is a one-syllable name pronounced G IH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Guinn sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Guinn flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Guinn ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.