Gwendolynn

Welsh

"white ring, circle"

Gwendolynn Origin and Meaning

The name Gwendolynn is a girl's name.

Gwendolynn is a feminine name representing an elaborated spelling of Gwendolyn, which derives from Welsh elements 'gwen' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'pure' and 'dolen' meaning 'ring' or 'bow.' This variant spelling adds an extra 'n' for distinctiveness while maintaining the melodic quality of the original. The name carries Celtic heritage and evokes images of medieval Welsh legends. In literature, Gwendolen appears in Arthurian tales and was popularized by George Eliot's novel 'Daniel Deronda.' While less common than the traditional spelling, Gwendolynn offers a slightly more ornate alternative that preserves the name's elegant, flowing quality and ancient noble associations while giving it a contemporary twist.