Guinevere

Guinevere is a girl name of Welsh origin meaning “White phantom, fair one”, pronounced GWIN-uh-veer. It ranked #899 in the United States in 2025, given to 295 babies, and peaked at #899 in 2025. Common nicknames: Gwen, Vera, Ginny.

GenderGirl
OriginWelsh
MeaningWhite phantom, fair one
PronunciationGWIN-uh-veer

How popular is Guinevere in the United States?

#899Rank in 2025
295Births in 2025
#899 in 2025Peak Popularity
↑ Rising10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

What does Guinevere mean, and where does it come from?

Guinevere is the English form of the Welsh Gwenhwyfar — gwen, "white" or "blessed," and hwyfar, "phantom" or "smooth" — the queen at the centre of the Arthurian legend and of its longest-running argument. The French romances turned her into Guenièvre and gave her Lancelot; the Welsh triads had her first. The Italian Ginevra and the Cornish Jennifer are the same name. It has been in American records since 1912 and only reached the top thousand in 2021, rising with the other long medieval names and reaching its highest point yet in 2025.

How is Guinevere used around the world?

Guinevere is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.

Languages
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
JeniverEnglish
GuenevereEnglish
Gvendolin
JuniperEnglish
GinevraItalian
Guenièvre

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

What are the nicknames for Guinevere?

GwenVeraGinnyWinnie

Famous People Named Guinevere

  • Guinevere Turner — American actress and screenwriter
  • Guinevere — queen and wife of King Arthur in the Arthurian legends

Similar Names to Guinevere

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Sibling Name Ideas for Guinevere

Looking for names that pair well with Guinevere? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

TristanRowenaLancelotIsoldeGareth

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Guinevere mean?

Guinevere is a girl name of Welsh origin meaning "White phantom, fair one." Guinevere is the English form of the Welsh Gwenhwyfar — gwen, "white" or "blessed," and hwyfar, "phantom" or "smooth" — the queen at the centre of the Arthurian legend and of its longest-running argument. The French romances turned her into Guenièvre and gave her Lancelot; the Welsh triads had her first.

How do you pronounce Guinevere?

Guinevere is pronounced GWIN-uh-veer. Common variations include Gwenhwyfar, Guenevere, Ginevra.

Is Guinevere a girl name?

Yes, Guinevere is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Gwen, Vera, Ginny, Winnie.

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