Gwendolin is a beautiful and unique feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Old Welsh elements "gwen" meaning "white", "fair" or "blessed", and "dolen" which means "ring". Therefore, Gwendolin can be translated to mean "circle of white" or "white ring".
The name Gwendolin was first introduced in the 19th century as a variant of the popular Welsh name Gwenhwyfar. Gwenhwyfar is the Welsh form of the Old Welsh name Gwenhwyfach, which means "white peak". It is believed that Gwendolin was created by combining elements from both Gwenhwyfar and the Welsh name Dolwen, which also means "white wave".
Although it may not be as well-known as some other Welsh names like Gwen or Bronwyn, Gwendolin has a rich history and a unique charm. Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with this name, including the 19th-century English actress Gwendolen Fairfax and the American poet Gwendolyn Brooks.
Today, Gwendolin remains a rare but captivating name choice for parents looking to give their daughter a distinctive and meaningful name. Its Welsh origins add an exotic touch, while its beautiful meaning makes it a fitting option for a child who is loved and cherished. Overall, Gwendolin is a graceful and elegant name that is sure to turn heads and inspire admiration.
The name Gwendolin has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 79 babies given this name since 1934. The earliest records show that five girls were named Gwendolin each in 1934 and 1937, suggesting that it was a recognized name at the time but not exceptionally common.
There was a brief period of increased popularity for the name in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1949, five babies were named Gwendolin again, followed by eleven births in 1951. This spike could indicate that the name was perhaps inspired by a popular figure or cultural trend of the time.
However, after this short peak, the number of babies named Gwendolin returned to its previous level, with five births each in 1953 and 1959. It remained steady at around five births per year until the late 1960s when it began to see a slight increase again.
From 1969 onwards, there were consistently more than five babies named Gwendolin each year, with six births in both 1969 and 1970. This trend continued into the mid-1970s, with seven births recorded in both 1975 and 1977. The name reached its peak popularity during this period.
Overall, while Gwendolin has not been one of the most popular names in the United States, it has had periods of consistent usage throughout the years. Its popularity has fluctuated but has remained relatively stable since the 1930s, with a total of 79 babies given this name by 2018.