Meaning, origin, history
Jennifer is a female given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which means "white wave" or "fair curl". The name was popularized by the character of Jennifer Jones in the 1943 film "Since You Went Away".
The name Jennifer gained significant popularity during the 20th century, particularly in the United States and England. It peaked at number one on the list of most popular names for girls in both countries during the 1970s.
Historically, the name has been associated with notable figures such as Welsh poet Gwenhwyfar Davies (1890-1968), American actress Jennifer Jones (1919-2009), and Canadian singer-songwriter Jennifer Warnes (born 1947). However, it is important to note that the popularity of the name cannot be solely attributed to these individuals.
In literature, the name Jennifer has been used as a character's name in works such as Dodie Smith's novel "I Capture the Castle" and J.D. Salinger's novella "Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters". These uses further contributed to its popularity during the mid-20th century.
Today, Jennifer remains a popular choice for parents naming their daughters, although it has slipped from its peak ranking in recent years. It is often shortened or spelled creatively as Jenni, Jenny, Gennifer, or even Ginny. Despite these variations, the name continues to evoke images of fairness and beauty, reflecting its original meaning and Welsh origins.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Jenneifer since 1880
Total births
13
Total since 1880
Peak year
1977
7 births
in 1977
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years