Gwendolyn Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Gwendolyn Name Meaning

Fact: Gwendolyn Fairfax is a character in Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest,” adding a touch of classic literature and wit to the name.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Gwendolyn Overview

Meaning

White ring, blessed ring, blessed, fair

Gender

Girl

Origin

Welsh

Etymology

Derived from the Welsh words “gwen” meaning “white, fair, blessed,” and “dolen” meaning “ring” or “bow.”

Pronunciation

/ˈɡwɛndəlɪn/

Popularity

Gwendolyn is well-known in English-speaking countries and has a rich literary and historical background. In the USA, it ranked as the 380th most popular name for girls in 2023​

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

9 letters

Numerology

11 (Intuitive, Idealistic, Spiritual)

Name Styles

Classic, Mythological, Long

Associated Traits

Diplomatic, meticulous, sensitive, elegant

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

The name Gwendolyn is often linked to Welsh mythology and literature, including the wife of Merlin in some Arthurian legends​

Name Day

January 3rd (Wales)​
A Deep Dive

Gwendolyn Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Gwendoline, Gwendalyn, Gwyneth, Gwendlyn, Gwynedd, Wendelyn

Common Nicknames

Gwen, Wendy, Lyn, Didi, Wynnie

Diminutives

Gwennie, Gwenny, Lynnie, Dolly

Famous People

  • Gwendolyn Brooks
    (American Poet)
  • Gwendoline Christie
    (British Actress)
  • Gwendolyn Bennett
    (American Poet)
  • Gwendolyn Ifill
    (American Journalist)
  • Gwendolyn Knight
    (American Artist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Gwendolyn Shepherd
    ("Ruby Red," Novel)
  • Gwendolyn Post
    ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," TV Series)
  • Gwendolyn
    ("The Importance of Being Earnest," Play)
  • "Gwendolyn and the Green Knight"
    (Children's Book)

Places

  • Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy
    (Illinois, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Gwendolyn?

Gwendolyn means “blessed ring” or “fair bow.” It conveys a sense of grace and elegance, suggesting a personality full of charm and kindness.

What Is the Origin of The Name Gwendolyn?

The name Gwendolyn originates from Welsh roots, combining the elements “gwen” meaning “white, fair, blessed,” and “dolen” meaning “ring” or “bow.” Its etymology reflects a blend of purity and beauty.

Gwendolyn Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Gwendolyn in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#3962021#3892022#3802023
Top 3 Rankings#1121951#1121953#1131950

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Gwendolyn

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023380
(+9 from 2022)
808
(+7 from 2022)
0.04619
2022389
(+7 from 2021)
801
(+7 from 2021)
0.04467
2021396
(-19 from 2020)
794
(-26 from 2020)
0.04432
2020377
(-7 from 2019)
820
(-31 from 2019)
0.04639
2019370
(+1 from 2018)
851
(+7 from 2018)
0.04638
2018371
(+6 from 2017)
844
(+23 from 2017)
0.04538
2017377
(+25 from 2016)
821
(-4 from 2016)
0.04346
2016402
(+3 from 2015)
825
(+34 from 2015)
0.04262
2015405
(+16 from 2014)
791
(+27 from 2014)
0.04055
2014421
(+49 from 2013)
764
(+113 from 2013)
0.03905
2013470
(+44 from 2012)
651
(+59 from 2012)
0.03377
2012514
(+50 from 2011)
592
(+79 from 2011)
0.03052
2011564
(-3 from 2010)
513
(-5 from 2010)
0.02647
2010561
(+21 from 2009)
518
(-4 from 2009)
0.02642
2009582
(+6 from 2008)
522
(-5 from 2008)
0.02578
2008588
(+63 from 2007)
527
(+72 from 2007)
0.02530
2007651
(-23 from 2006)
455
(-3 from 2006)
0.02150
2006628
(-64 from 2005)
458
(-50 from 2005)
0.02191
2005564
(+26 from 2004)
508
(+32 from 2004)
0.02503
2004590
(+7 from 2003)
476
(+18 from 2003)
0.02359
2003597
(-21 from 2002)
458
(+5 from 2002)
0.02283
2002576
(+94 from 2001)
453
(+79 from 2001)
0.02294
2001670
(+61 from 2000)
374
(+57 from 2000)
0.01888
2000731
(-70 from 1999)
317
(-30 from 1999)
0.01588
1999661
(+41 from 1998)
347
(+32 from 1998)
0.01782
1998702
(-11 from 1997)
315
(+4 from 1997)
0.01625
1997691
(+58 from 1996)
311
(+29 from 1996)
0.01629
1996749
(+107 from 1995)
282
(+54 from 1995)
0.01471
1995856
(-140 from 1994)
228
(-61 from 1994)
0.01187
1994716
(+57 from 1993)
289
(+22 from 1993)
0.01483
1993773
(-90 from 1992)
267
(-50 from 1992)
0.01354
1992683
(-1 from 1991)
317
(+3 from 1991)
0.01581
1991682
(-3 from 1990)
314
No change from 1990
0.01544
1990679
(-31 from 1989)
314
(-4 from 1989)
0.01528
1989648
(-10 from 1988)
318
(+8 from 1988)
0.01596
1988638
(-29 from 1987)
310
(-7 from 1987)
0.01612
1987609
(-58 from 1986)
317
(-52 from 1986)
0.01691
1986551
(-57 from 1985)
369
(-41 from 1985)
0.01999
1985494
(+41 from 1984)
410
(+51 from 1984)
0.02221
1984535
(-39 from 1983)
359
(-33 from 1983)
0.01991
1983496
(-15 from 1982)
392
(-40 from 1982)
0.02190
1982481
(-3 from 1981)
432
(-12 from 1981)
0.02381
1981478
(-37 from 1980)
444
(-42 from 1980)
0.02483
1980441
(-35 from 1979)
486
(-47 from 1979)
0.02729
1979406
(-21 from 1978)
533
(-10 from 1978)
0.03093
1978385
(-18 from 1977)
543
(-43 from 1977)
0.03303
1977367
(-54 from 1976)
586
(-145 from 1976)
0.03562
1976313
(-17 from 1975)
731
(-60 from 1975)
0.04650
1975296
(+5 from 1974)
791
(-4 from 1974)
0.05068
1974301
(+3 from 1973)
795
(+31 from 1973)
0.05076
1973304
(-15 from 1972)
764
(-105 from 1972)
0.04916
1972289
(-23 from 1971)
869
(-212 from 1971)
0.05389
1971266
(-13 from 1970)
1081
(-139 from 1970)
0.06168
1970253
(-6 from 1969)
1220
(+20 from 1969)
0.06660
1969247
(-14 from 1968)
1200
(-41 from 1968)
0.06808
1968233
(-14 from 1967)
1241
(-97 from 1967)
0.07259
1967219
(-2 from 1966)
1338
(-76 from 1966)
0.07793
1966217
(-23 from 1965)
1414
(-288 from 1965)
0.08053
1965194
(-1 from 1964)
1702
(-191 from 1964)
0.09313
1964193
(-22 from 1963)
1893
(-365 from 1963)
0.09671
1963171
(-10 from 1962)
2258
(-249 from 1962)
0.11358
1962161
(+4 from 1961)
2507
(-28 from 1961)
0.12369
1961165
(-2 from 1960)
2535
(-13 from 1960)
0.12204
1960163
(-4 from 1959)
2548
(-103 from 1959)
0.12252
1959159
(-8 from 1958)
2651
(-18 from 1958)
0.12754
1958151
(-19 from 1957)
2669
(-632 from 1957)
0.12920
1957132
(-4 from 1956)
3301
(-75 from 1956)
0.15733
1956128
(-6 from 1955)
3376
(-82 from 1955)
0.16392
1955122
No change from 1954
3458
(+49 from 1954)
0.17248
1954122
(-10 from 1953)
3409
(-109 from 1953)
0.17123
1953112
(+2 from 1952)
3518
(+189 from 1952)
0.18233
1952114
(-2 from 1951)
3329
(+136 from 1951)
0.17503
1951112
(+1 from 1950)
3193
(+153 from 1950)
0.17285
1950113
(+1 from 1949)
3040
(+205 from 1949)
0.17287
1949114
(+10 from 1948)
2835
(+329 from 1948)
0.16149
1948124
(+6 from 1947)
2506
(+56 from 1947)
0.14380
1947130
(+2 from 1946)
2450
(+389 from 1946)
0.13477
1946132
(+19 from 1945)
2061
(+500 from 1945)
0.12778
1945151
(+8 from 1944)
1561
(+36 from 1944)
0.11596
1944159
(+2 from 1943)
1525
(-10 from 1943)
0.11160
1943161
(+8 from 1942)
1535
(+155 from 1942)
0.10694
1942169
(-1 from 1941)
1380
(+112 from 1941)
0.09925
1941168
(+1 from 1940)
1268
(+46 from 1940)
0.10177
1940169
(-1 from 1939)
1222
(+40 from 1939)
0.10344
1939168
(+1 from 1938)
1182
(-23 from 1938)
0.10423
1938169
(+15 from 1937)
1205
(+121 from 1937)
0.10557
1937184
(+7 from 1936)
1084
(+141 from 1936)
0.09838
1936191
(-11 from 1935)
943
(-41 from 1935)
0.08751
1935180
(+1 from 1934)
984
(-18 from 1934)
0.09054
1934181
(+3 from 1933)
1002
(+76 from 1933)
0.09258
1933184
(+14 from 1932)
926
(-3 from 1932)
0.08852
1932198
(+7 from 1931)
929
(+36 from 1931)
0.08397
1931205
(-6 from 1930)
893
(-66 from 1930)
0.08091
1930199
(+8 from 1929)
959
(+67 from 1929)
0.08221
1929207
(-4 from 1928)
892
(-96 from 1928)
0.07706
1928203
(+1 from 1927)
988
(+28 from 1927)
0.08264
1927204
(+13 from 1926)
960
(+112 from 1926)
0.07764
1926217
(-1 from 1925)
848
(-41 from 1925)
0.06893
1925216
(+4 from 1924)
889
(+5 from 1924)
0.07038
1924220
(+2 from 1923)
884
(+35 from 1923)
0.06823
1923222
(+11 from 1922)
849
(+78 from 1922)
0.06779
1922233
(-6 from 1921)
771
(-48 from 1921)
0.06180
1921227
(+9 from 1920)
819
(+61 from 1920)
0.06400
1920236
(+16 from 1919)
758
(+111 from 1919)
0.06093
1919252
(-2 from 1918)
647
(-10 from 1918)
0.05508
1918250
(+8 from 1917)
657
(+80 from 1917)
0.05464
1917258
(-4 from 1916)
577
(+3 from 1916)
0.05135
1916254
(-9 from 1915)
574
(-1 from 1915)
0.05287
1915245
(+20 from 1914)
575
(+193 from 1914)
0.05616
1914265
(+6 from 1913)
382
(+84 from 1913)
0.04795
1913271
(-2 from 1912)
298
(+22 from 1912)
0.04550
1912269
(+9 from 1911)
276
(+82 from 1911)
0.04704
1911278
(+33 from 1910)
194
(+43 from 1910)
0.04391
1910311
(+12 from 1909)
151
(+28 from 1909)
0.03599
1909323
(-9 from 1908)
123
(-4 from 1908)
0.03342
1908314
(+40 from 1907)
127
(+27 from 1907)
0.03582
1907354
(+5 from 1906)
100
(+13 from 1906)
0.02964
1906359
(+50 from 1905)
87
(+19 from 1905)
0.02776
1905409
(-31 from 1904)
68
(-7 from 1904)
0.02195
1904378
(+26 from 1903)
75
(+13 from 1903)
0.02565
1903404
(+4 from 1902)
62
(+5 from 1902)
0.02229
1902408
(+73 from 1901)
57
(+18 from 1901)
0.02033
1901481
(+86 from 1900)
39
(+2 from 1900)
0.01534
1900567
(+26 from 1899)
37
(+10 from 1899)
0.01164
1899593
(-38 from 1898)
27
(-6 from 1898)
0.01091
1898555
(+29 from 1897)
33
(+6 from 1897)
0.01204
1897584
(+51 from 1896)
27
(+3 from 1896)
0.01088
1896635
(-70 from 1895)
24
(-4 from 1895)
0.00952
1895565
(+179 from 1894)
28
(+12 from 1894)
0.01133
1894744
(+23 from 1893)
16
(+1 from 1893)
0.00678
1893767
(-82 from 1892)
15
(-3 from 1892)
0.00666
1892685
(+528 from 1891)
18
(+12 from 1891)
0.00800
18911213
(-388 from 1890)
6
(-5 from 1890)
0.00305
1890825
(-68 from 1889)
11
(-1 from 1889)
0.00545
1889757
(+137 from 1888)
12
(+3 from 1888)
0.00634
1888894
(-34 from 1887)
9
(+1 from 1887)
0.00475
1887860
(+133 from 1886)
8
(+2 from 1886)
0.00515
1886993
(-163 from 1881)
6
(+1 from 1881)
0.00390
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1881830
(+6 from 1880)
5
No change from 1880
0.00506
1880836
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00512

American States Popularity Rankings for Gwendolyn

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#6342021#4432022#4612023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#6042021#5562022#5992023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#5782021#5062022#4852023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2372021#3062022#3382023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#6922021#4742022#5672023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#4182021#3992022#5322023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2472021#4282022#2992023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#5932018#6852021#5852023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#5412021#6302022#7302023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#8802021#5582022#7352023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2572021#1912022#2782023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2472021#3562022#3082023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#4032021#3732022#3232023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#6592021#3722022#3422023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#5632021#4442022#5762023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#5102015#5092016#4752023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2882021#3062022#1502023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#7052021#5242022#4452023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2472021#2002022#3892023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3912021#5722022#3912023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3212021#2262022#3072023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#6212021#5142022#5122023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#5002020#3402022#4452023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2902021#2732022#2362023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1621977#2861980#2471981

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#3142021#7112022#4062023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3362021#3692022#2742023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#4192021#2922022#3282023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2772021#6452022#2702023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#3622021#3202022#2992023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#2282021#5912022#2912023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1442021#2902022#2362023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2302021#2252022#3642023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4882021#3802022#5232023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1942021#1902022#1822023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#3972021#3952022#4262023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2391968#2031971#1761975

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2202020#1352021#2192023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#2232021#2832022#2272023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3471982#3801983#2602014

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2221963#2001973#2262023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1802021#3312022#1012023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2392015#1532022#1092023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1331969#1511971#971976

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2332019#1512022#2112023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#3482019#3972020#4652021

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1701939#1771942#1772008

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1632016#1492017#1662020

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1091937#1401982#882013

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2081955#2181963#1562020

Popularity Rankings for Gwendolyn in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1691924#1701925#2071926

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4452021#3592022#6902023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#3881978#5231979#8762014

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#9142015

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#9982012#9422016#9622018

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Gwendolyn a Name for Boys or Girls?

Typically, Gwendolyn is a female name. Its historical usage and meaning highlight attributes commonly linked to women, such as beauty and grace.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Gwendolyn

Gwendolyn in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Gwendolyn Brooks (Poet, 1917–2000): An American poet and the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for her book "Annie Allen."
  • Gwendoline Christie (Actress, born 1978): A British actress celebrated for her roles in "Game of Thrones" and "Star Wars."
  • Gwendolyn Bennett (Poet, 1902–1981): An American poet, artist, and writer associated with the Harlem Renaissance.
  • Gwendolyn Ifill (Journalist, 1955–2016): An American journalist and television newscaster who co-anchored "PBS NewsHour."
  • Gwendolyn Knight (Artist, 1913–2005): An American artist whose work spanned painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
  • Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks (Activist, 1917–2000): An American activist and educator who made significant contributions to civil rights.
  • Gwendolyn Osborne-Smith (Model, born 1978): A British-American model and actress known for her work on "The Price Is Right."
  • Gwendolyn Shepherd ("Ruby Red," 2009 Novel by Kerstin Gier): A young girl discovers she can time travel, leading her on various adventures.
  • Gwendolyn Post ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," 1998 TV Series): A Watcher who comes to Sunnydale with a hidden agenda.
  • Gwendolyn ("The Importance of Being Earnest," 1895 Play by Oscar Wilde): A charming and witty character who is part of a comedic love story.
  • "Gwendolyn and the Green Knight" (2015 Children's Book): A brave girl who embarks on a quest to rescue her father.
  • Gwendolyn Fairfax ("The Importance of Being Earnest," 2002 Film): The film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play where she plays a witty and charming character.
  • "Gwendolyn's Sword" (2016 Novel): Follows a young woman named Gwendolyn who must protect her village from invaders.
  • Gwendolyn Drive (Georgia, USA): A residential street located in the city of Macon, surrounded by suburban homes and local amenities.
  • Gwendolyn Park (Maryland, USA): A neighborhood park in the city of Baltimore, offering playgrounds, walking trails, and green spaces.
  • Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy (Illinois, USA): A selective enrollment public high school located in Chicago.
  • Gwendolyn Street (Queensland, Australia): A street in the suburb of Upper Mount Gravatt, Brisbane, featuring residential properties and local businesses.
  • Gwendolyn Avenue (Ontario, Canada): A residential avenue in Toronto, lined with family homes and local parks.
  • Gwendolyn Lane (Texas, USA): A street in the city of Austin, part of a quiet residential neighborhood.

Similar Names to Gwendolyn

Sibling Names for Gwendolyn

Parents Who Like the Name Gwendolyn Also Like

Here’s to hoping Gwendolyn finds a special place in your heart. If it does, show some love by liking, sharing, and commenting below!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *