Gwendalyn is a unique and distinctive female given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which is composed of two elements: "gwen" meaning fair or white, and "hwyfar" meaning smooth or round. Therefore, the name Gwendalyn can be interpreted as "fair and smooth," referring to its holder's beauty and elegance.
The name Gwendalyn has a rich history in Welsh literature and legend. It is most famously associated with Queen Gwenhwyfar, also known as Guinevere, who was King Arthur's wife in the medieval tales of Camelot. Despite her role as queen, Gwenhwyfar is often portrayed as a tragic figure due to her ill-fated love affair with Sir Lancelot.
Throughout the centuries, the name Gwendalyn has evolved and been adapted into various forms across different cultures. Some popular variations include Guinevere, Gweneira, Gwenivere, and Gwendolen. However, regardless of its spelling or pronunciation, the name Gwendalyn retains its unique Welsh origins and elegant meaning.
Today, Gwendalyn remains a rare and captivating choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its association with the legendary Queen Gwenhwyfar adds a touch of mystique and charm to this beautiful name, making it a fitting choice for parents who wish to honor their daughter's Welsh heritage or simply bestow upon her a name that is elegant, distinctive, and full of history.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the name Gwendalyn in the United States from 1940 to 2023.
The name Gwendalyn first appeared in the U.S. birth records in 1940 with a total of 5 births that year. The popularity of the name started to increase slightly in the following years, reaching its peak during the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this period, there were consistently more than 8 births per year.
The highest number of births for the name Gwendalyn occurred in 2005 with a total of 38 births. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, indicating that the name gained popularity during the early-to-mid 2000s.
However, since 2005, there has been a decline in the number of births for the name Gwendalyn. The most recent data available shows that there were only 23 births in 2022 and 20 births in both 2023.
Overall, from 1940 to 2023, there have been a total of 1,161 babies named Gwendalyn born in the United States. This data demonstrates how the popularity of the name has varied over time and reached its peak during a specific period.