Wendy is a feminine given name of English origin. It was created by Scottish novelist J.M. Barrie for the character Wendy Darling in his classic 1911 novel "Peter Pan." In the story, Wendy is the oldest daughter of the Darling family who becomes the mother figure to Peter Pan and his lost boys. Although it did not exist as a name prior to the publication of "Peter Pan," Wendy quickly gained popularity following its release.
The meaning of the name Wendy is derived from the nickname "Gentle Maiden." This interpretation likely stems from the character's nurturing and maternal role in the story, as she cares for Peter Pan and his friends. However, some sources suggest that Wendy may also be a derivative of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which means "fair-haired."
Despite its origin as a fictional character's name, Wendy has since become a widely recognized given name in English-speaking countries. It reached peak popularity during the mid-20th century but has remained in use among families today who appreciate its unique history and gentle meaning.
In summary, Wendy is a feminine given name of English origin that was created by J.M. Barrie for his novel "Peter Pan." Its meaning is derived from the nickname "Gentle Maiden," reflecting the nurturing character of Wendy Darling in the story. While it initially gained popularity following the publication of "Peter Pan," Wendy has since become a widely recognized and used given name in English-speaking countries.
"The popularity of the name Wendy peaked in the mid-20th century, with over 4000 births recorded annually between 1950 and 1965. However, its usage has declined significantly since then, with fewer than 300 births per year since 2008."