Jennifer: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced JEN-ih-fer · 3 syllables
From Cornish Gweniver, from Middle Cornish Gwynnever (cognate with Welsh Gwenhwyfar), from Proto-Brythonic *Gw nnohu ar. Doublet of Guinevere. Compare Irish Fionnabhair, which may be cognate. The /d / consonantism is due to Anglo-Norman influence; compare Old French Genievre /d ni v /, /d nj v /.
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- JEN-ih-fer
- US rank (2025)
- #586
- US babies a year
- about 599 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1970
- Nicknames
- Jen, Jenny
How popular is Jennifer?
Jennifer was the #586 name in the US in 2025, given to 501 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 67% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1970.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #586 |
| England & Wales | #430 |
| Scotland | #471 |
| Ireland | #409 |
| Canada | #800 |
| Australia | #974 |
How old are people named Jennifer?
Half of US adults named Jennifer are older than 47; most are between 27 and 63. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Jennifer
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Jennifer have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Jennifer
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Shana
- Kimberly
- Heather
- April
- Tania
- Tamara
- Heidi
- Susan
- Angela
- Jillian
- Caroline
- Michael
- Christopher
- Judith
- Sarah
- Patricia
On these lists
Questions about Jennifer
How do you pronounce Jennifer?
Jennifer is pronounced JEN-ih-fer.
How popular is the name Jennifer?
Jennifer was the #586 name in the US in 2025, given to 501 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 67% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1970.
How old are people named Jennifer?
Half of US adults named Jennifer are older than 47. Most are between 27 and 63.