Guinevere

At a Glance

Meaning

White/fair + a debated second element ('phantom' or 'smooth')

Origin

Welsh (via Gwenhwyfar)

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

GWIN-eh-veerListen

Guinevere is a Welsh name pronounced GWIN-eh-veer, tracing back to Gwenhwyfar. It's often explained as simply meaning 'the fair one,' but that's only half the story: the name has a debated second element too, usually rendered as 'white wave' or 'white shadow,' alongside the 'white/fair' part. With its storybook feel and roots that travel back through Welsh tradition, it's a name with real depth behind the pronunciation.

Meaning & Origin of Guinevere

Meaning: White/fair + a debated second element ('phantom' or 'smooth').

Origin: Welsh (via Gwenhwyfar).

A common claim: the fair one Actually: Often simplified to just 'the fair one,' but that reflects only half the name (the 'gwen'/white-fair element) — the debated second element 'hwyfar' is usually included too, commonly rendered as 'white wave' or 'white shadow/phantom.'

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Guinevere

Popularity of Guinevere

Guinevere has stayed a rare pick in the U.S., reaching its high point at #916 in 2022 with 299 babies given the name, then settling to #947 in 2024 with 277.

Names Like Guinevere

These names share Guinevere’s style, era or origin.

• Angharad
• Anwen
• Branwen
• Eleri
• Olwen
• Rhian

FAQ

What does the name Guinevere mean?

White/fair + a debated second element (‘phantom’ or ‘smooth’). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Guinevere?

Guinevere is pronounced GWIN-eh-veer (IPA: /ˈɡwɪnəvɪr/).

Is Guinevere a popular name right now?

Guinevere is near its all-time peak (#916 in 2022), ranked #947 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1912–2024.)

Make Guinevere Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Guinevere, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.