All about the name

Jannifer

Female

« Jennifer, originally Gwenhwyfar in Wales, means "fair shade" or "white wave. »

#8150 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Jennifer is a popular female given name with origins in Wales. It comes from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which means "fair shade" or "white wave." The name was popularized by Sir Thomas Malory's 15th-century Arthurian legend, Le Morte d'Arthur, where it appears as Guinevere, the wife of King Arthur. The spelling Jennifer emerged in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. It is believed to have been coined by a Scottish writer named Catherine Sinclair, who used it in her 1835 novel "Geoffrey or Charles and Godfrey," although it did not become widespread until much later. The name Jennifer has gained popularity due to its beautiful sound and its association with the strong female character of Guinevere. It reached peak popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it was the second most popular girl's name between 1970 and 1984. Today, Jennifer remains a widely recognized and loved name, with variations such as Jenna, Jenny, Jenni, and Jennafer also being commonly used. Despite its Welsh origins, the name has been embraced by many cultures around the world and is now considered an international name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Jannifer since 1880

Total births
855
Total since 1880
Peak year
1981
31 births
in 2001
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years