📅 Since 1916🏆 53 years in top 1002.64% of births at peak
How to pronounce Jennifer
JEN·uf·er
/ˈdʒɛn.əf.ɝ/ · stress on JEN · 3 syllables
“Fair one”
English origin · Girl name
What does Jennifer mean and where does it come from?
The name Jennifer is of English origin, derived from the Cornish name 'Ginevra' which translates to 'white wave' or 'fair one'. It became popular in the 20th century and was first recorded in the 1930s. The name's popularity surged in the 1970s and 80s, heavily influenced by the character Jennifer i
Cultural significance
Jennifer has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fair one.
Declining — down 20 spots — currently #521 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1920–2023#521 · Top 0.38%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#521
584
▼ down 20 · -7% births
2022
#501
630
▼ down 7 · -1% births
2021
#494
638
▼ down 60 · -9% births
2020
#434
699
▼ down 183 · -46% births
2015
#251
1,283
▼ down 130 · -51% births
2010
#121
2,619
▼ down 79 · -55% births
2005
#42
5,836
▼ down 16 · -38% births
2000
#26
9,386
▼ down 8 · -26% births
1995
#18
12,686
▼ down 10 · -43% births
1990
#8
22,228
▼ down 5 · -48% births
1985
#3
42,651
▼ down 2 · -27% births
1980
#1
58,375
stable
1975
#1
58,183
stable · +26% births
1970
#1
46,157
▲ up 19 · +204% births
1965
#20
15,208
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Jennifer
1970Rank #1
58,375
#620
↗Rising
1920 - 202324 years
The story of Jennifer
Jennifer entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. It reached the #1 spot in 1970, making it the most popular girl name in America that year. Over 1474K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4324 in 1920 to #521 in 2023. Jennifer is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Jennifer means "Fair one" — a name rooted in English 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 Jennifer?
Jennifer is currently ranked #521 as a baby 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 Jennifer?
Jennifer originates from English tradition. English 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 Jennifer?
Jennifer is a three-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 N AH0 F ER0. 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 Jennifer?
Jennifer pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English 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 Jennifer
For a sister
Jennifer & Kimberly♡
Jennifer & Mark♡
Jennifer & Lane♡
Jennifer & Derek♡
For a brother
Jennifer & Mark♡
Jennifer & Steven♡
Jennifer & Lane♡
Jennifer & Derek♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#521
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
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