Guinevere is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the old Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which is composed of two elements: gwen meaning "white" or "fair," and hwyar meaning "smooth" or "peaceful." Therefore, the name Guinevere can be interpreted as "white and smooth" or "fair and peaceful."
The name Guinevere gained significant popularity through its association with the legendary King Arthur and his court. In the tales of Camelot, Guinevere is portrayed as Queen Guinevere, the wife of King Arthur and the lover of Sir Lancelot. Although this connection has made the name widely known, it should be noted that there is no historical evidence to suggest that a real-life queen named Guinevere ever existed.
Despite its legendary roots, Guinevere has remained a popular choice for parents seeking unique yet elegant names for their daughters. Today, it continues to evoke images of ancient chivalry, romance, and the mysterious allure of Arthurian legend.
"The name Guinevere saw a significant increase in popularity over time, with only 7 births recorded annually at the beginning of the 20th century, peaking at 299 births in 2022 after more than a century."