Gwenivere, derived from the Welsh elements "gwen" meaning white, fair or blessed and "yfa" meaning peace or happiness, is an enchanting name with a rich history and cultural significance. It is often associated with the legendary queen of Camelot, Guinevere, in Sir Thomas Malory's 15th-century compilation of Arthurian romances, "Le Morte d'Arthur." In this literary context, Gwenivere is known for her beauty, wisdom, and pivotal role in the mythos surrounding King Arthur and his knights. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era due to the renewed interest in Arthurian legends and chivalric romance. Today, it remains a unique and captivating choice for parents seeking an elegant and meaningful name for their daughter.
The popularity of the name Gwenivere appears to have fluctuated significantly over time. It started with a low of five births in 1970, peaked at 87 births in 2022, and has shown a general increasing trend since around 2016. However, there are also several years where the number of births named Gwenivere decreased notably. The total number of births with this name from 1970 to 2023 is 714.