Origin and Meaning of Guinevere
Meaning & Origin
White phantom; fair one
Origin: Welsh - Derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which combines 'gwen' (fair, white) and 'hwyfar' (phantom, spirit).
Interesting Facts
- Guinevere is famously known as the queen consort of King Arthur in Arthurian legend, renowned for her beauty and tragic love story.
- In medieval literature, Guinevere is often depicted as a figure of beauty and grace, but also as a source of conflict due to her affair with Sir Lancelot.
- The name has been used in various adaptations of Arthurian legends, including adaptations in books, films, and television series.
- Guinevere saw a resurgence in popularity in the 20th century, especially with the interest in Arthurian legends, but remains less common than many related names.
- Variations of the name include Guenevere, Guenivere, or Gwendolyn, which draws from the same Welsh roots.