Jennifer

Jennifer is a Cornish form of Guinevere, ultimately related to Welsh Gwenhwyfar. Its older elements are commonly interpreted in terms of fairness or whiteness and a phantom or spirit, though translations vary. The relationship connects Jennifer with the queen of Arthurian legend without making the English-sounding form a recent invention.

Jen and Jenny give Jennifer familiar short forms. Its three syllables also distinguish it from those shorter options when used formally. Families who know Jennifer chiefly from more recent generations may find the older Cornish and Arthurian history a different reason to appreciate it. A relative’s name can be continued with its full spelling or through one of the nicknames.