All about the name

Guinnevere

Female

« Guinevere is a Welsh feminine given name that translates to 'white spear' or 'fair spear'. »

#45370 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Guinevere is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh word "gwyn" meaning "fair" or "white", and "fer" which means "spear". Thus, Guinevere can be translated as "white spear" or "fair spear". The name Guinevere has a rich history in literature, most notably as the wife of King Arthur in the legend of Camelot. In the original Welsh tales, Guinevere was known as Gwenhwyfar and was not portrayed as unfaithful to her husband, unlike later European retellings where she becomes the lover of Sir Lancelot. Despite its Welsh origins, the name Guinevere gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages due to the widespread influence of Arthurian legend. It was often used among the nobility and can be found in various spelling variations such as Guinivere, Gwenhwyfar, and Gyneth. Today, Guinevere continues to be a unique and elegant name choice for parents looking for something with historical significance and a beautiful sound. Its meaning "white spear" also adds an interesting layer of symbolism for those who appreciate strong female figures in history and literature.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Guinnevere since 1880

Total births
20
Total since 1880
Peak year
1974
5 births
in 2000
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years