Meaning, origin, history
Jennifer is a name of English origin, derived from the given name Guinevere, which was popularized by the legendary figure of King Arthur's queen in medieval literature. The name means "fair" or "white," and it has been widely used throughout history.
The earliest known use of the name Jennifer can be traced back to the 12th century, when it appeared as a masculine given name in the works of the poet Chrétien de Troyes. However, it wasn't until the late Middle Ages that Jennifer began to be used as a feminine name.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Jennifer was occasionally used as a given name in England. It is believed that Shakespeare's plays may have contributed to its popularity during this time period. The name gained further prominence in the Victorian era, when it became fashionable among the aristocracy.
Today, Jennifer remains a popular given name around the world. According to some sources, it was the most common feminine given name in the United States between 1970 and 2007. Despite its widespread use, Jennifer is still considered a unique and distinctive name with a rich historical heritage.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jenohn since 1880
Total births
14
Total since 1880
Peak year
1975
8 births
in 1975
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years