Jennifer is of English origin, derived from the name Guinevere, which means "fair-haired". It gained popularity during the Victorian era and was further popularized by the success of Jennifer Jones as an actress in Hollywood's Golden Age. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s, reaching its zenith at number one from 1974 to 1984. Internationally, it has been a common choice, ranking among the top names in several countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom throughout much of the late 20th century. Jennifer is often shortened to Jenny or Jen, offering versatility in its usage. It is typically pronounced with a soft 'g' sound, rhyming with 'den'. The name has been associated with numerous notable figures across various fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports.
"The name Jennifer saw a peak in popularity between 1977 and 1985 with over 15 births per year each year during this period. However, it started declining from 1986 onwards, with fewer than 10 births annually until 1992."