Gwendelyn is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the ancient Celtic elements "gwen" meaning "fair, white, blessed" and "dolen" which means "ring, circle." Thus, the name Gwendelyn translates to "white ring" or "holy ring," suggesting purity and holiness. This name has a long history in Welsh literature and mythology, with its earliest known appearance being in the 12th-century tale of Owain, Prince of Gwynedd, where it is spelled "Gwenhwyfar." Over time, the spelling evolved into Gwendelyn, which gained popularity as a girl's name during the Victorian era. Today, Gwendelyn continues to be a unique and elegant choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with deep historical roots.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Gwendelyn has seen a varied trend of popularity over time in the United States.
From the years 1944 to 1965, there were consistently between 5 to 7 births per year with this name. The most popular year during this period was 1959 and 1962 with 10 births each.
There was a slight dip in popularity from 1976 to 1981, with only 5 births each year. However, the name started to gain traction again in the late 90s and early 2000s, reaching its peak popularity in 2002 with 13 births.
Since then, Gwendelyn has maintained a steady level of popularity, with between 6 to 12 births per year. The most recent years available, 2022 and 2023, saw 5 births each.
Overall, while the name Gwendelyn may not have been among the top choices for parents in the United States over the past eight decades, it has consistently had a small but dedicated following. It's always fascinating to see how trends in naming evolve over time!