Jennifer is a popular given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the masculine Welsh name Gwynfor, which means "white peak" or "snowy peak". The name Jennifer has been traditionally associated with Wales, but it has gained widespread popularity around the world.
The name Jennifer first appeared in the United States in the late 1930s, but it did not become popular until the 1940s. During this time, several high-profile individuals named Jennifer helped to bring attention to the name. For example, Jennifer Jones, a Hollywood actress, won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1943.
In the following decades, Jennifer continued to gain popularity as a given name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Jennifer was one of the top ten most popular names for girls in the United States throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It reached its peak popularity in 1974, when it was the second most popular name for girls that year.
Today, Jennifer remains a popular given name around the world. While its origins are rooted in Wales, its meaning of "white peak" or "snowy peak" has been interpreted differently by people over time. Some associate it with qualities such as purity, beauty, and strength, while others simply appreciate its sound and rhythm.
Overall, Jennifer is a name that has stood the test of time, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over decades but always remaining a beloved choice for parents around the world. Its Welsh origins and timeless meaning make it a classic choice that continues to appeal to many families today.
The name Jenifer experienced a significant rise in popularity from the 1950s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 1968. Between 1968 and 1974, there were over 800 births each year for girls named Jenifer, peaking at 923 births in 1974. However, the popularity of this name has steadily decreased since then, with fewer than 50 births per year recorded from 2016 onwards. The total number of births registered as Jenifer between 1933 and 2023 is 25,514.