Jennifer is a popular given name of Welsh origin, derived from the male name Gwilym, which means "gentle". The name Jennifer gained prominence in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century and became particularly popular in the United States and Canada during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It has since become a staple among baby names, often appearing in the top rankings of popular girls' names.
The name Jennifer is also associated with the Welsh form of the male name Gwilym, which is Siwan, meaning "gentle". However, it is important to note that while Jennifer is derived from Gwilym, it has evolved into a distinctly feminine name over time. The name has been popularized by numerous famous bearers throughout history, including actresses Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lawrence.
In terms of its popularity, Jennifer was one of the most popular girls' names in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. According to the Social Security Administration's data on U.S. naming trends, Jennifer peaked at number one for girls' names in the United States in the years 1970 and 1984-1986. Today, while its popularity has somewhat decreased since its peak decades ago, Jennifer remains a widely recognized and commonly used name.
Overall, the name Jennifer is of Welsh origin, meaning "gentle", and has gained significant popularity as a feminine given name in English-speaking countries over the past several decades. Its widespread use can be attributed to factors such as its pleasing sound, its association with notable figures, and its enduring appeal among parents seeking traditional yet distinctive names for their daughters.
"The name Jennyfer experienced a steady increase in popularity from the late 1980s to its peak around the mid-1990s, with a total of 1797 babies named Jennyfer between 1969 and 2023."