Jennifer is a name of English origin that has gained popularity worldwide over the years. It is derived from the Welsh name Guinevere, which means "fair" or "white." The name Jennifer has been associated with various meanings and interpretations throughout history.
In Arthurian legend, Guinevere was the wife of King Arthur and the lover of Sir Lancelot. She was known for her beauty and grace, which are reflected in the meaning of her name. In Wales, however, the name Guinevere is believed to have come from the Welsh word "gwen," meaning "white" or "fair," suggesting a connection to purity or innocence.
The name Jennifer first gained popularity in England during the Victorian era in the late 19th century. It was initially used as a diminutive of Guinevere but eventually became a popular given name in its own right. In the United States, the name Jennifer reached its peak popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming one of the most common female names during that period.
Today, Jennifer remains a beloved and widely-used name for girls around the world. Its meaning, "fair" or "white," has contributed to its enduring appeal, as many parents continue to choose this name for their daughters in hopes that they will embody the qualities suggested by its meaning. Whether inspired by Arthurian legend or simply drawn to its sound, those who choose the name Jennifer for their child are selecting a name with a rich history and a timeless beauty.
The name Jenny experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were fewer than 50 births per year on average. However, starting around the mid-1940s, there was a notable increase, reaching over 300 births annually by the late 1940s.
The peak popularity of the name Jenny occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, with over 2,000 births per year during these decades. The highest point was reached in 1971 with an extraordinary 2,240 births. However, this popularity began to decline in the late 1980s.
In recent years, the name Jenny has become much less common, with fewer than 300 births per year since the mid-1990s. The most recent data from 2022 shows that there were 174 births of girls named Jenny. Overall, from 1880 to 2023, a total of 91,792 babies have been named Jenny.