Jennifer is a female given name of Welsh origin, derived from the name Gwenhwyfar, which means "fair and smooth." In Arthurian legend, Gwenhwyfar was the wife of King Arthur and is often referred to as Queen Guinevere. The name Jennifer became popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, likely due to its association with the character of Jennifer North in Jackie Collins' novel "The Valley of the Dolls," published in 1966.
The name Jennifer has been used in various forms throughout history. In Arthurian legend, Gwenhwyfar is often depicted as a strong and intelligent woman who plays a crucial role in the fate of Camelot. The name also appears in other works of literature, such as Shakespeare's "Cymbeline," where it is spelled Innogen.
In modern times, Jennifer has become one of the most popular female names worldwide. It peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s but remains widely used today. Some notable figures with the name Jennifer include American actresses Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lawrence, as well as British singer-songwriter Jennifer Rush.
Overall, the name Jennifer is of Welsh origin and means "fair and smooth." It has a rich history in literature and popular culture, making it a well-known and enduring choice for parents looking to name their daughters.
Jennifer is a popular girl's name that has been consistently used over the years in the United States. According to statistical records, the number of babies named Jennifer has varied slightly from year to year.
In 1972, there were 6 births with the name Jennifer. The following year, in 1973, the number increased to 9 births. This trend continued with a slight decrease in 1974, where 7 babies were named Jennifer at birth.
After a gap of several years, the name Jennifer re-emerged as popular choice among parents. In 1982, there were 6 births with this name, followed by 5 in 1984. Interestingly, the number then jumped to 8 in 1985 before stabilizing at 6 births in 1986.
In total, from these statistics, there have been 47 babies named Jennifer born in the United States during these years. This demonstrates the enduring popularity of this name over time.