Jennifer

From Namespedia - Names Meaning and Origins

Name: Jennifer

Gender: Feminine

Location: Europe

Language: Cornish,Welsh

Thematic: Unknown Thematic

Meaning: White and soft.

Comments: Jennifer is a Cornish variation of Guinevere, which is the Anglicized form of the old Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, from gwen, meaning 'white', 'fair', and hwyfar, meaning 'smooth', 'soft', 'yielding'. The name was practically unknown outside Cornwall until 1906 when George Bernard Shaw used it for the main female character in his play "The Doctor's Dilemma". When another character learns her name and comments, 'A strange name,' Jennifer Dubedat replies, 'Not in Cornwall. I'm Cornish. It's only what you call Guinevere.' As a result of Shaw's play, the name Jennifer became suddenly popular, and it was given a further boost in 1923 when Noel Coward's comedy "The New Idea" also featured a main female character named Jennifer. The name has never looked back. During the 1970s it was the most popular name for newborn baby girls in the United States. Since then other names have claimed the top spot, but Jennifer continues to rank high in the popularity stakes.

Short forms: Jen, Jenn, Jenna, Jenny.