Gwen
Gwen is a girl's name of Welsh origin.
Meaning
White, fair, or blessed.
Origin and history
Gwen is a classic feminine name of Welsh origin meaning white, fair, or blessed. Originally used as a standalone name or a short form of Guinevere, Gwendolyn, or Gwenda, it has a long history in Celtic tradition. In the United States, it remains a recognized and steady choice.
Popularity in the United States
32,617 babies in the United States have been named Gwen since 1880. It ranks #791 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #756.
States where it is most popular
- CA (10.4 %)
- PA (7.2 %)
- NY (6.6 %)
- IL (6.2 %)
- TX (6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 60 |
| 1900-1910 | 186 |
| 1910-1920 | 716 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,337 |
| 1930-1940 | 2,808 |
| 1940-1950 | 4,050 |
| 1950-1960 | 6,780 |
| 1960-1970 | 5,961 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,753 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,071 |
| 1990-2000 | 512 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,453 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,817 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,113 |
Famous people named Gwen
- Gwen Stefani: Singer, Songwriter
- Gwen Verdon: Actress, Dancer
- Gwen Ifill: Journalist, Newscaster
Fun facts
- The name stems from the Proto-Celtic element *windos, which meant white, bright, or sacred.
- While commonly a nickname for Gwendolyn, Gwen has been registered as an independent given name in the U.S. since records began in 1880.