Guinevere

girlWelsh

Guinevere is a girl name of Welsh, via Arthurian legend origin, meaning “White, fair; perhaps 'fair and smooth'”.

MeaningWhite, fair; perhaps 'fair and smooth'
GenderGirl
OriginWelsh, via Arthurian legend
PronunciationGWIN-uh-veer
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Guinevere

Guinevere is the Norman French form of the Welsh Gwenhwyfar, the name of King Arthur's queen. The first part is gwen, 'white, fair or holy'; the second is debated, explained as 'smooth' or as related to a word for spirit or phantom. In the legends her love for Lancelot leads to the fall of Camelot. The Cornish form Jennifer comes from the same name.

Is Guinevere a religious name?

Guinevere is a name from medieval legend rather than religion, used by families of any faith.

How popular is Guinevere?

Rare but gaining some use in the US as a romantic, literary name.

Gifts with the name Guinevere

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Spellings and variants of Guinevere

GwenhwyfarJenniferGinevraGwen

Names similar to Guinevere

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Guinevere mean?

Guinevere means 'White, fair; perhaps 'fair and smooth''. It is of Welsh, via Arthurian legend origin.

Does Guinevere have a religious meaning?

Guinevere is a name from medieval legend rather than religion, used by families of any faith.

How do you pronounce Guinevere?

Guinevere is pronounced GWIN-uh-veer.

Is Guinevere a boy or girl name?

Guinevere is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.