Origin and Meaning of Guenevere

White phantom or fair one

Origin: Welsh - Derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which is composed of 'gwen,' meaning 'fair' or 'white,' and 'hwyfar,' meaning 'phantom' or 'siren.'

• Guenevere is best known as the legendary queen and wife of King Arthur in Arthurian legend, symbolizing beauty and tragedy.
• In Welsh folklore, Guenevere's character is often portrayed as a complex figure, caught between love for King Arthur and her affair with Sir Lancelot.
• Notable literary bearers include the depiction of Guenevere in works such as Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur' and Alfred Lord Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King.'
• The name Guenevere saw a revival in popularity in the late 20th century, particularly influenced by modern adaptations of Arthurian legends.
• Variations of the name include Guinevere (the Anglicized version), Gwenhwyfar (the original Welsh), and Genevieve (a related name, though not directly derived).