Gwendolen

girlWelsh

Gwendolen is a girl name of Welsh origin, meaning “Possibly 'white ring'”.

MeaningPossibly 'white ring'
GenderGirl
OriginWelsh
PronunciationGWEN-duh-lin
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, Wales, United States

Meaning and origin of Gwendolen

Gwendolen is a Welsh name usually explained as gwen, 'white', 'fair' or 'blessed', combined with dolen, 'ring' or 'loop', though the second part is not certain. Geoffrey of Monmouth tells of a legendary queen Gwendolen of Britain, and Oscar Wilde gave the name to Gwendolen Fairfax in The Importance of Being Earnest. The spelling Gwendolyn became more common in America.

Is Gwendolen a religious name?

Gwendolen is a Welsh name from legend and literature with no particular religious meaning.

How popular is Gwendolen?

Uncommon; Gwen and Gwendolyn are more often chosen today.

Gifts with the name Gwendolen

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Spellings and variants of Gwendolen

GwendolynGwenWendyGwendoline

Names similar to Gwendolen

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Gwendolen mean?

Gwendolen means 'Possibly 'white ring''. It is of Welsh origin.

Does Gwendolen have a religious meaning?

Gwendolen is a Welsh name from legend and literature with no particular religious meaning.

How do you pronounce Gwendolen?

Gwendolen is pronounced GWEN-duh-lin.

Is Gwendolen a boy or girl name?

Gwendolen is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.