Meaning, origin, history
Jennifer is a female given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which means "fair" or "white". The name Gwenhwyfar is believed to have been borne by the legendary Queen of Camelot in Arthurian legend.
The name Jennifer gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century. It first appeared on the U.S. Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby girl names in the 1940s, and it reached its peak popularity in the early 1970s, when it was the number one female name for several years.
Today, Jennifer is still a widely recognized and popular name around the world. Some famous people named Jennifer include actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Jennifer Aniston, singer Jennifer Lopez, and former U.S. First Lady Jennifer Clinton (née Clinton Rodham).
Overall, Jennifer is a name with a rich history and strong ties to Welsh culture. Its meaning of "fair" or "white" has contributed to its enduring appeal among parents looking for a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jenifer since 1880
Total births
22
Total since 1880
Peak year
1985
6 births
in 1989
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years