Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Gueniver

      Origin

      Welsh

      Meaning

      Fair One or White Shadow

      Variations

      Guenever, Gweniver, Guenevere
      The name Guinevere, originating from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, translates to the fair one or white shadow. This name is composed of two elements: gwen, meaning fair, white, or blessed, and hwyfar, which can refer to a shade or ghost. The name evokes imagery of beauty, purity, and ethereal qualities, suggesting an association with light and the divine.

      Guinevere is most famously associated with Arthurian legend as the wife of King Arthur and the lover of Sir Lancelot. Her story is interwoven with themes of love, betrayal, and tragedy. Throughout medieval literature, she becomes a symbol of both romantic idealism and moral complexity. The earliest mentions of her name appear in texts such as Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae and later in Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur. Over the centuries, Guinevere has been portrayed in various forms, from a noble queen to a tragic figure, reflecting the evolving cultural interpretations of her character.

      In contemporary times, the name Guinevere has experienced a resurgence, often associated with fantasy literature and media. It remains relatively rare but is admired for its lyrical quality and historical significance. Guinevere appears in various adaptations of Arthurian legends in films, television series, and novels, reinforcing its symbolic ties to themes of love, loyalty, and conflict. The name’s unique heritage makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a name rich in myth and character.

      Based on our records...

      Couch

      Couch

      This is the most common surname associated with Gueniver.
      Richard

      Richard

      This is the most common name of those married to a Gueniver.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1791 is when there were the most people born with the first name Gueniver.

      Explore the origins of another name.