Joclyn is a unique and elegant given name of Welsh origin. Its meaning is derived from the elements "Gwenhwyfar" which means "white" or "fair", and "llyn" which signifies "lake". Thus, Joclyn translates to "fair lake".
The name has a rich history tied to the legendary figure of Queen Guinevere in the Arthurian legends. In these tales, Guinevere was the wife of King Arthur and is often depicted as being incredibly beautiful. Her name, Gwenhwyfar, is believed to have been adapted into various forms across different languages and cultures over time, giving rise to names like Jocelyn, Guinevere, and Jennifer.
The variant spelling "Joclyn" is not as commonly used as its more traditional counterparts such as Jocelyn or Joceline. However, it adds a unique twist to the name while still maintaining its connection to Welsh heritage and Arthurian lore.
In terms of popularity, the name has seen fluctuating trends over time. It was relatively popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but declined thereafter. In recent years, there has been some resurgence in interest for this classic yet distinctive name, likely due to its historical significance and elegant sound.
Overall, Joclyn is a charming and distinctive given name with deep roots in Welsh history and Arthurian legend. Its meaning of "fair lake" evokes images of beauty and tranquility, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Joclyn has seen a varied pattern of usage in the United States over the past five decades. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, there were consistently fewer than 10 births per year with this name, with some years seeing as few as five births.
However, starting in the mid-1970s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of Joclyn. The peak usage occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with over 20 births each year between 1998 and 2003. This period saw the highest frequency of babies named Joclyn in the United States.
After this peak, there was a decline in usage, but it remained relatively stable around 15-20 births per year until around 2010 when it began to decrease again. The most recent data shows that in 2021, there were only five births with the name Joclyn.
Overall, based on the available statistics, while Joclyn was not one of the most popular names in the United States during this period, it did enjoy periods of increased usage and has been given to a total of 639 babies over the years.