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Gwen

Girl name · 212 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Gwen: 212 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 22 births in 1975.

Of Welsh origin, Gwen means "white, fair, or blessed," and derives from the ancient Celtic root *windos, giving it distant cousins across Europe. In Welsh tradition it often appears as the first element in compound names like Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere). The name is famously borne by Saint Gwen, a 5th-century Welsh saint and mother of Saints Cybi and Non, though her legend is more celebrated in Brittany. It also links to the eminent medieval Welsh chronicler Gwenwynwyn — not a bearer, but a name preserved in the historical record. The land connection is subtle: the Gwent region of southeast Wales shares its name with a separate root, though their similarity has caused centuries of confusion. A gentle, lyrical choice, Gwen remains a steadfast favourite in Scotland — often used on its own or as a familiar shortening for Gwendolen, Gwenda, or the Scottish favourite Gwyneth.