Gwendolyne is a unique and enchanting feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh word "gwen" meaning "white," or "fair," and "dolen" which means "ring" or "circle." Therefore, the name Gwendolyne can be interpreted to mean "white circle" or "fair ring."
The name has a rich history dating back to medieval Wales. It was often used as a title for Welsh queens and princesses, adding to its regal and distinguished character. One of the most notable figures associated with this name is Gwenhwyfar, also known as Guinevere in English, who was Queen Arthur's wife in the legendary tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Gwendolyne's unique sound and meaning make it a captivating choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet elegant name for their daughter. Despite its Welsh roots, the name has gained popularity worldwide, with notable bearers including American actress Gwendoline Yeo and British artist Gwendoline John. However, it remains relatively rare compared to more common names, allowing those named Gwendolyne to stand out in a crowd.
In summary, Gwendolyne is an exquisite Welsh feminine given name that signifies "white circle" or "fair ring." With its royal history and distinctive sound, it offers parents a beautiful and uncommon option for their daughter's name.
The name Gwendolyne has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth was in 1905 with five occurrences. There were also five births in 1908, indicating that the name had some initial popularity at the turn of the century.
From 1913 to 1924, there was a noticeable increase in the number of births with the name Gwendolyne. The highest peak during this period was in 1924 with twelve births. This suggests that the name gained traction among parents during the early 20th century.
However, after 1925, the popularity of the name began to decline. There were only five births in 1925 and the trend continued until the 1930s, with the lowest point being three births each in 1937 and 1948.
The middle of the century saw a slight resurgence in the popularity of Gwendolyne, with nine births in 1951 and twelve in 1953. But this was short-lived as the numbers dwindled again, reaching just five births in 1962.
There is no recorded data for the name Gwendolyne from 1963 to 1976, but it re-emerged in 1976 with five births. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a brief period of popularity with eight births in 1979 and six in 1982.
Since the mid-1980s, there has been a steady but low number of births with the name Gwendolyne. The total number of births from 1983 to 2023 is 154, with an average of about five births per year during this period.
In recent years, there has been a slight increase in popularity for the name Gwendolyne. There were seven births each in 2019, 2020, and 2021, indicating that the name is still being chosen by parents today, albeit at a relatively low rate compared to more popular names.
In conclusion, while the name Gwendolyne has not been among the most popular choices for parents in the United States over the past century, it has maintained a consistent presence with a total of 342 births recorded since 1905.