Gwendoline is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the culture and mythology of Wales.
The name Gwendoline is derived from the old Welsh elements "gwen" meaning "fair, white, blessed" and "dol" meaning "generous". Therefore, the name can be interpreted as "fair and generous", reflecting the values of kindness and generosity that were highly regarded in medieval Welsh society. This interpretation highlights the importance of these qualities in Welsh culture and the way they have been passed down through generations.
The earliest known use of the name Gwendoline dates back to the 17th century, when it was recorded as a variant spelling of the name Gwenllian. Gwenllian was a popular figure in Welsh history and folklore, remembered for her beauty, wisdom, and courage. She was a princess who fought against the English invaders during the Welsh Revolt of 1283. It is believed that the name Gwendoline emerged as a more anglicized form of Gwenllian to reflect the growing influence of English culture on Wales during this period.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Gwendoline, further cementing its place in Welsh cultural heritage. One such figure was Gwendoline Butler, a prominent Welsh suffragette who played a significant role in the fight for women's rights in the early 20th century. Her activism and dedication to social causes helped to bring attention to important issues and inspired generations of women to pursue equality.
In popular culture, the name Gwendoline has been featured in various forms of media, further popularizing it among wider audiences. It was used as the title character in the 1984 comedy film "Gwen rarête de se faire aimer" (Gwendoline's Funeral), directed by Laurent Bouhnik. Additionally, the name has appeared in several literary works, including a series of novels by Welsh author John Cowper Powys.
In conclusion, Gwendoline is a beautiful and meaningful feminine given name that draws its origins from Wales' rich history and cultural heritage. Its meaning, "fair and generous", reflects the deeply rooted values of kindness and generosity that have been passed down through generations. Throughout history, several notable figures have carried this name, helping to solidify its place in Welsh cultural heritage and beyond.
The name Gwendoline has been given to a total of 340 babies born in the United States between 1893 and 2023, according to available records.
While it was relatively popular during the early to mid-20th century, with a peak of 13 births in 1924, Gwendoline has seen its popularity wax and wane over time. Between 1957 and 1962, there were no recorded births with this name, but it started to reappear thereafter.
In recent years, Gwendoline has shown signs of regaining some popularity among parents in the United States. After a low of five births per year from 2013 to 2017, the number of newborns named Gwendoline increased to 10 in both 2018 and 2022, with an even higher figure of 11 recorded in 2023.
This data demonstrates that while Gwendoline may not be one of the most popular names currently, it remains a name that is chosen for newborn girls on a regular basis. It will be interesting to see if this upward trend continues in future years.