Gwendolyn is a beautiful name that fits a queen. This is appropriate as the first individual in history with the name is said to be the queen of the Brittons according to Welsh mythology. Other popular uses of the name Gwendolen, as it was originally spelled, include the name of the wife of Merlin, and a name of a character in one of Oscar Wilde's plays.
Meaning of the name Gwendolyn:
Welsh: blessed ring
Origin of the name Gwendolyn:
Gwendolyn was originally more popularly spelled Gwendolen until the popularity of African-American poet, Gwendolyn. In ancient Wales, this original spelling came from the root words “gwen” and “dolen.” The name spread as a legendary queen named Gwendolyn defeated her husband to win back Great Britain.
Symbolism of the name Gwendolyn:
The baby name Gwendolyn receives its meaning from traditional Welsh words. “Gwen” meant “fair” or “blessed.” “Dolen,” which is the original suffix of the name, means “ring” or “loop.”
Style of the name Gwendolyn:
Traditional
Gender of the name Gwendolyn:
Gwendolyn is a name for baby girls.
Pronunciation of the name Gwendolyn:
GWEHN-de-lin
Number of syllables in the name Gwendolyn:
Three
Emotion evoked from the name Gwendolyn:
Gwendolyn is queenly and stately. It is regal, yet approachable. These emotions give the name a kinder feel.
Alternative spellings for the name Gwendolyn:
- Gwendolen
- Gwendoline
- Guendolen
- Guendolyn
- Gwendolyne
- Gwyndilyn
- Gwendolin
Nicknames for the name Gwendolyn:
Popularity of the name Gwendolyn:
The baby name Gwendolyn reached its peak popularity in 1951 and 1953 at number 112 overall. The name was on the top 200 list from 1932 to 1965, however. In the year 2020, the baby name has declined some in popularity and ranks at number 377 overall.
Related names for the name Gwendolyn:
Great middle names for Gwendolyn and their meanings:
- Eve (life giver)
- Bryanna (high, noble, exalted)
- Meredith (great ruler, noted ruler)
- Winter (the coldest season)
- Sophia (wisdom)
- Isabelle (God's promise)
- Sinead (God is gracious)
Famous people with the name Gwendolyn:
- Gwendolyn Brooks (Pulitzer prize winning poet)
- Gwendolyn Ifill (TV journalist)
- Gwendolyn Bradley (opera singer)
- Gwendolyn Armstrong (Civil Rights activist)
- Gwendolyn Guthrie (singer, “Good to Go Lover”)
- Gwendolyn Watts (actress, “Carry On Doctor”)
- Gwendolyn Bennett (author and poet, “To a Dark Girl”)
Gwendolyns in popular culture:
- Gwendolyn Tennyson (character in “Ben, 10”)
- Gwendolyn Stacy (character in “Spider Man”)
- Gwendolyn Cooper (character in “The Wonder Years”)
- Gwendolyn Post (character in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
- Gwendolyn (character in “Odin Sphere” video game)
- Gwendolyn Sommerset (character in “Ravenhearst” video game)