“white phantom” — Associated with Queen Guinevere in Arthurian legend
Welsh origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#3792US 2023
40Births / yr
→Stable
1kAll-time births
📅 Since 192100
How to pronounce Gwenevere
GWEN·EV·ER
/ˈɡwɛn.ˈɛv.ˈɛr/ · stress on GWEN · 3 syllables
“white phantom”
Associated with Queen Guinevere in Arthurian legend · Welsh origin
What does Gwenevere mean and where does it come from?
Gwenevere is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the elements 'gwen' meaning 'white' or 'fair' and 'hwyfar' meaning 'phantom' or 'spirit'. It is famously associated with Queen Guinevere in Arthurian legend, known for her beauty and tragic love story with King Arthur. The name has various spellings
Cultural significance
Gwenevere has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of white phantom.
Peak popularity
Reached #2187 in 1962 — currently #3792 in the US.
Holding steady — currently #3792 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1950–2023#3792 · Top 2.8%
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#3792
40
▼ down 4
2022
#3788
40
▲ up 566 · +25% births
2021
#4354
32
▼ down 916 · -27% births
2020
#3438
44
▼ down 128 · -10% births
2015
#3310
49
▲ up 1000 · +44% births
2010
#4310
34
▲ up 5222 · +209% births
2005
#9532
11
▲ up 1347 · +38% births
2000
#10879
8
▼ down 1534 · +60% births
1975
#9345
5
▼ down 4501 · -55% births
1970
#4844
11
▼ down 790
1965
#4054
11
▼ down 1361 · -48% births
1960
#2693
21
▲ up 219 · +31% births
1955
#2912
16
▲ up 2120 · +167% births
1950
#5032
6
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Gwenevere
1960Rank #2693
49
#5163
↗Rising
1950 - 202314 years
The story of Gwenevere
Gwenevere entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 1,000 total births recorded, Gwenevere remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5032 in 1950 to #3792 in 2023.
Gwenevere means "white phantom" — 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 Gwenevere?
Gwenevere is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Gwenevere?
Gwenevere 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.
How do you pronounce the name Gwenevere?
Gwenevere is a three-syllable name pronounced G W EH1 N EH1 V EH1 R. 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 Gwenevere?
Gwenevere 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.
Sibling names that pair with Gwenevere
For a sister
Gwenevere & Meredith♡
Gwenevere & Angharad♡
Gwenevere & Riannon♡
Gwenevere & Aeron♡
For a brother
Gwenevere & Meredith♡
Gwenevere & Brishen♡
Gwenevere & Aeron♡
Gwenevere & Reese♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#3792
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
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