Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Guinevere

Guinevere is best remembered as the legendary Queen Consort of King Arthur from the Arthurian tales of Celtic literature. The name is derived from the Welsh Gwenhwyfar from the elements “gwen” meaning “fair” and “hwyfar” meaning “smooth” so Guinevere essentially means “the fair one”. In Celtic mythology, Guinevere was considered the most beautiful woman on earth. One of King Arthur’s Knights of the Roundtable, Sir Lancelot, fell in love with the beguiling queen and she with him. This act of adultery and betrayal of King Arthur is what brought down Camelot. As with many heroines of Celtic legend, Guinevere is a woman who places her own personal happiness above others – and what’s so wrong with that we ask? For more information on the “fair” Guinevere see literary references below. The Welsh Gwenhwyfar is also sometimes connected with the Gaelic female name Findabair (“the fair vision”) – itself a Celtic name associated with women who are fated to only love once (often with tragic results). Guinevere is thus a romantic mythological name choice and one which has been rarely used over time. Jennifer is the Cornish form of Guinevere which became largely popularized among English speakers in the 20th century.

All About the Baby Name – Guinevere

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME GUINEVERE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME GUINEVERE

Shockingly Guinevere has never been used with enough frequency in the United States to land herself a position on the charts. Most people are familiar with Guinevere’s place in Celtic mythology, but apparently this name never came into circulation. We all know Jennifer achieved great success in America during the 20th century, but Guinevere has been largely ignored. This is great news for parents who prefer unique names rooted in some meaningful tradition. Guinevere fits the bill. She is beautiful, strong, romantic and feminine just like the heroine from the Arthurian legends. The fact that Guinevere is rarely used is also a big plus to parents looking for a diamond in the rough. It’s an all around gorgeous name, and a more elegant option than the more common Jennifer. Guinevere reminds us a little of the French Genevieve (although the two etymologies are not related). They both just look so lovely and sophisticated. Fancy, we would agree, but not over the top. Guinevere is not a name for every parent, and some people can’t get past the “cheating wife” allusion. But to us, Guinevere is more emblematic of an enchantress rather than a seductress. This is a gal with gusto! Nicknames include Jenny, Gwen or even Vera. Guinevere by herself, though, is a true original.

Quick Facts

ON GUINEVERE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

GWIN-ә-vere

SIMPLE MEANING:

The fair one

Characteristics

OF GUINEVERE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Guinevere

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GUINEVERE

Queen Guinevere is the queen consort of King Arthur in legend and folklore, whose affair with his most cherished knight, Sir Lancelot, is said to have brought an end to Camelot. Guinevere’s name conjures up immediately a vision of beauty and goodness, and at the same time, of human frailty – she stands at the apex of one of the world’s most celebrated romantic triangles of all time. As good a wife as she is to Arthur, an almighty love overpowers her when she meets Sir Lancelot. Driven by forces seemingly beyond her control, and against her better judgment, she and Lancelot conduct their affair under the nose of the innocent Arthur. When Arthur learns of the betrayal, he reluctantly sentences Guinevere to burn at the stake for adultery. Lancelot rescues her from her fate, and in the course of the battle, Sir Gawain’s brothers are killed. Gawain convinces Arthur to follow Lancelot to Spain, and Arthur leaves Guinevere in Mordred’s care. Mordred has plans to take both the queen and the throne, but Guinevere escapes and takes refuge in a convent. Arthur, learning of this treachery, returns to battle Mordred, and both are mortally wounded. Guinevere meets with her beloved Lancelot one more time and then repairs to her convent for the rest of her life. Quite a high price to pay, all around, for the sake of love.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GUINEVERE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Guinevere


Popular Songs

ON GUINEVERE

Sweet Guinevere
a song by Gordon Lightfoot

Guinevere
a song by Lucy Kaplansky

Famous People

NAMED GUINEVERE

Guinevere Turner (actress)
Guinevere van Seenus (model)

Children of Famous People

NAMED GUINEVERE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Guinevere

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GUINEVERE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Guinevere