Jennifer
Jennifer is a girl name of Welsh origin meaning “White phantom, fair one”, pronounced JEN-ih-fer. It ranked #586 in the United States in 2025, given to 501 babies, and peaked at #1 in 1972. Common nicknames: Jen, Jenny, Jenna.
How popular is Jennifer in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Jennifer mean, and where does it come from?
Jennifer is the Cornish form of Guinevere, from the Welsh Gwenhwyfar — gwen, "white" or "blessed," and hwyfar, "phantom." It was a purely Cornish name until the twentieth century, when George Bernard Shaw used it in a play and the film industry took it up. What followed is one of the most complete takeovers in naming history: Jennifer was the number one name for American girls every year from 1970 to 1984, a fifteen-year run no name has matched since. It has been falling ever since, as every such name must.
How is Jennifer used around the world?
Jennifer is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 10+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Jennifer?
Famous People Named Jennifer
- Jennifer Lopez — American singer, actress and producer
- Jennifer Lawrence — American actress and Academy Award winner
- Jennifer Doudna — American biochemist and Nobel laureate for CRISPR gene editing
Similar Names to Jennifer
If you like Jennifer, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Jennifer
Looking for names that pair well with Jennifer? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jennifer mean?
Jennifer is a girl name of Welsh origin meaning "White phantom, fair one." Jennifer is the Cornish form of Guinevere, from the Welsh Gwenhwyfar — gwen, "white" or "blessed," and hwyfar, "phantom." It was a purely Cornish name until the twentieth century, when George Bernard Shaw used it in a play and the film industry took it up.
How do you pronounce Jennifer?
Jennifer is pronounced JEN-ih-fer. Common variations include Jenifer, Jennyfer, Guinevere.
Is Jennifer a girl name?
Yes, Jennifer is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Jen, Jenny, Jenna, Fifi.