All about the name

Jennifer

Female

« Jennifer is an English name derived from the Welsh Guinevere, meaning "fair and joyful," popularized by American actress Jennifer Jones in the mid-20th century and widely used globally. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Jennifer is a popular given name of English origin that has gained prominence worldwide over the years. It is derived from the Welsh name Guinevere, which is composed of the elements "gueni" meaning fair or white and "gwen" meaning joy or bliss. Therefore, Jennifer can be interpreted to mean "fair and joyful," suggesting a pleasant and charming individual. The name Guinevere was originally associated with Queen Guinevere, the wife of King Arthur in the legendary tales of Camelot. However, it was not commonly used as a given name until the late 1930s when American actress Jennifer Jones rose to fame. Her successful film career popularized the name Jennifer, and it became increasingly popular among parents during the 1940s and 1950s. Throughout the decades, Jennifer has maintained its status as one of the most popular names for girls in various English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Jennifer was consistently among the top ten most popular names for girls between 1970 and 2007. The popularity of Jennifer has also extended beyond the English-speaking world, with notable bearers of this name found in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and even Japan. Some famous individuals named Jennifer include American actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Jennifer Aniston, Canadian singer-songwriter Jennifer Hawkins, and British model and TV personality Jennifer Ellison. In summary, the name Jennifer is of Welsh origin and carries a positive meaning of "fair and joyful." Its popularity can be attributed to the successful career of actress Jennifer Jones during the mid-20th century. Today, it remains one of the most widely recognized and beloved names for girls around the world.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Jennifer since 1880

Total births
1,470,608
Total since 1880
Peak year
1972
63,605 births
in 2023
583
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-36%
vs previous 5 years