Jennifer is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the personal name Gwendolen, which means "white wave" or "fair-haired and gentle." The name Jennifer was popularized in the English-speaking world during the mid-20th century due to its use by several notable figures.
The earliest known usage of the name Jennifer can be traced back to Shakespeare's play "The Merry Wives of Windsor," where it appears as Jenkin, a diminutive form used for both boys and girls. However, it was not until the 1930s that Jennifer began to gain widespread popularity as a feminine given name.
One significant factor contributing to the rise in popularity of Jennifer was its use by actresses and public figures. For instance, Jennifer Jones, an Academy Award-winning American actress, rose to prominence during the 1940s and 1950s. Additionally, Jennifer Lawrence, the American actress known for her role as Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" series, has become one of the most popular bearers of this name in recent years.
Over time, Jennifer has become a well-established name with a strong presence across various cultures and generations. Despite its Welsh origins, it is now recognized as an international name that transcends borders and language barriers. Today, Jennifer remains a popular choice for parents seeking a traditional yet timeless feminine given name.
Statistics on the given name Jenneffer show an interesting pattern of usage in the United States over a few years in the mid-1980s. During this time period:
* In the year 1983, there were 5 recorded births with the name Jenneffer.
* This number remained consistent for the following years, as there were also 5 births each in both 1986 and 1987.
This data indicates that while not extremely popular, the name Jenneffer was indeed used among parents choosing names for their children during this specific period. The total number of babies named Jenneffer over these four years combined is 15.