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Gwenevere Name Meaning & Details

Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Gwenevere

Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name GWENEVERE. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Name

Gwenevere

Gender

Female

Origin

Arthurian

Lucky Number

5

Meaning of the Name - Gwenevere

Gwenevere means 'fair one' or 'white phantom' and is famously known as King Arthur's queen in Arthurian legend. The name evokes images of beauty, nobility, and romantic tragedy from medieval British mythology.

Gwenevere - Complete Numerology Analysis

Your Numerology Number

5

Based on Pythagorean Numerology System

Ruling Planet

Mercury

Positive Nature

Adventurous, dynamic, curious, and social.

Negative Traits

Restless, impatient, inconsistent, prone to indulgence.

Lucky Colours

Green, white.

Lucky Days

Wednesday.

Lucky Stones

Emerald.

Harmony Numbers

1, 3, 9.

Best Suited Professions

Sales, marketing, travel, entertainment.

What People Like About You

Versatility, charisma, adventurous spirit.

Famous People Named Gwenevere

Guinevere

Mythological Queen

Legendary Queen of King Arthur and central figure in Arthurian romance

Gwenevere Chapel

Literary Character

Modern interpretation of Arthurian queen in contemporary literature

Gwenevere Saccoccio

Artist

Contemporary artist exploring Arthurian themes in visual media

Name Variations & International Equivalents

Guinevere English Gwenhwyfar Welsh Guenièvre French Ginevra Italian Jennifer English (modern derivative)

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Gwenevere's cultural significance spans over a millennium of Western literary tradition, beginning in Welsh mythology where she appears as Gwenhwyfar, possibly derived from words meaning 'white phantom' or 'white wave.' Her character evolved significantly through medieval French romances, particularly those of Chrétien de Troyes, where she became central to the courtly love tradition and the Arthurian love triangle with Lancelot. This transformation established her as one of the most complex female figures in Western literature - simultaneously representing royal virtue and passionate transgression.

Throughout the centuries, Gwenevere has been reinterpreted to reflect changing attitudes toward women, love, and power. Victorian writers often portrayed her as a tragic romantic figure, while 20th-century authors explored her psychological depth and agency. Modern feminist interpretations, such as Marion Zimmer Bradley's 'The Mists of Avalon,' have reclaimed her story from male-centered narratives, presenting her as a complex woman navigating the constraints of her position in a patriarchal society. Her enduring presence in art, literature, and popular culture demonstrates the name's powerful connection to themes of love, betrayal, redemption, and the tension between personal desire and public duty.

Extended Personality Analysis

The name Gwenevere evokes personality traits of regal grace, emotional depth, and intellectual sophistication. Those bearing this name are often perceived as possessing natural authority and elegance, combined with a rich inner life and strong personal convictions. They tend to be charismatic individuals who command respect while maintaining an air of mystery, much like their legendary namesake. Their complexity often manifests as a balance between outward composure and intense private emotions, making them both compelling and somewhat enigmatic to others.

Typically, individuals named Gwenevere demonstrate keen intelligence, cultural awareness, and a strong sense of justice, though they may struggle with the weight of expectations placed upon them. They value loyalty deeply but understand human imperfection, making them both idealistic and pragmatic in relationships. Their romantic nature is tempered by practical wisdom, and they often find themselves mediating conflicts or bridging different perspectives. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, meaningful connections with those they trust, revealing a capacity for profound love and devotion that mirrors the legendary queen's most celebrated qualities.

Modern Usage & Popularity

In contemporary naming practices, Gwenevere occupies a distinctive niche as a name that is both classic and uncommon. It appeals particularly to parents with interests in Arthurian literature, Celtic heritage, or those seeking names with historical depth and romantic connotations. While never achieving widespread popularity, it maintains a consistent presence, often chosen by parents looking for alternatives to more common medieval or Celtic names like Isabella or Genevieve. The name saw modest increases in usage following major Arthurian-themed media releases, such as film adaptations and television series, but remains outside the top 1000 names in most English-speaking countries. Modern bearers often use the nickname 'Gwen' for daily use, appreciating the name's elegance and literary connections while maintaining practical convenience. Its continued usage reflects enduring fascination with Arthurian legend and a preference for names with strong narrative and cultural resonance.

Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolically, Gwenevere represents the eternal feminine archetype of beauty, sovereignty, and transformative love in Western cultural consciousness. She embodies the paradoxical nature of womanhood as both life-giving and destructive, representing the queen whose love sustains a kingdom yet whose passion contributes to its downfall. The name carries profound metaphorical weight as a symbol of the tension between duty and desire, order and chaos, idealism and human frailty. In broader symbolic terms, Gwenevere signifies the necessary imperfection within utopian visions - the human element that both enriches and ultimately undermines perfect systems. She represents the cost of idealism and the complex relationship between personal happiness and social responsibility. The name also carries connotations of redemption and spiritual transformation, as her story often concludes with religious devotion, suggesting that even the most dramatic falls can lead to profound personal growth and peace.

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