gwen

Gwen is a female given name of Welsh origin. It is commonly associated with the Welsh element gwen, meaning white or fair, and is used both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of longer Welsh forms such as Gwendolyn, Gwendolen, Gwenllian, or Guinevere.

In English-speaking countries, Gwen has been in use for many decades and enjoyed particular popularity in the mid-to-late 20th century before declining somewhat in recent years.

Notable people with the name include singer and fashion designer Gwen Stefani (born 1969), journalist Gwen Ifill (1955–2016), and dancer and actress Gwen Verdon (1925–1980). In fiction, Gwen Stacy is a prominent character in the Spider-Man comics, and in Arthurian-inspired media the character Guinevere is sometimes referred to by the shortened form Gwen, as popularized by the BBC series Merlin where the queen is called Gwen.

Related given names include Gwyn, Gwyneth, Gwendolyn, Gwenda, and the Welsh forms from which Gwen is derived. The name’s Welsh associations and its compact, approachable sound have contributed to its continued use in various cultures and media.