What does Guinnevere mean and where does it come from?
Guinnevere is a variant of the name Guinevere, which has its origins in medieval Welsh and Old French, linked to its association with the legendary Queen Guinevere of King Arthur's court. The name combines the Welsh elements 'gwen' (white, fair) and 'hwyfar' (smooth, soft), giving the meaning of 'wh
Cultural significance
Guinnevere has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of white shadow.
Peak popularity
Reached #9971 in 1974 — currently #16130 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Guinnevere?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Guinnevere?
Guinnevere works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Guinnevere Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Guinnevere Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Guinnevere Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Guinnevere Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Guinnevere Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Guinnevere Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Guinnevere right now?
Falling — down 14509 spots — currently #16130 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #16130 | 5 | ▼ down 14509 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1621 | 579 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1626 | 559 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1631 | 529 | ▲ up 14071 · +10480% births |
| 2000 | #15702 | 5 | — |
The story of Guinnevere
Guinnevere is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 20 total births recorded, Guinnevere remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #15702 in 2000 to #1621 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Guinnevere in 1974:
Guinnevere by decade
Guinnevere peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s ★ | 15 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Guinnevere has only 20 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Guinnevere?
What names sound and feel like Guinnevere?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Guinnevere also consider these
Common questions about the name Guinnevere
What does the name Guinnevere mean?
Guinnevere means "white shadow" — 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 Guinnevere?
Guinnevere 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 Guinnevere?
Guinnevere 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 Guinnevere?
Guinnevere 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 Guinnevere a common or rare name?
Guinnevere is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.