WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Jennifer

Girl name · 15,389 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Jennifer: 15,389 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 850 births in 1984.

A Cornish and Welsh form of Guinevere, Jennifer ultimately derives from the Arthurian name Gwenhwyfar, meaning "white phantom" or "fair lady" in Old Celtic. It was little used in Scotland until the 1940s, then rocketed to become one of the most popular girls' names through the 1970s and 80s, before gradually declining. Hollywood has given the name a timeless glamour through actresses Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jennifer Lopez, each a defining star of her era. The name also carries a strong literary echo through its Arthurian roots, linking it to the legendary queen of Camelot. A common Scottish variant is Jenny, long used as a familiar form and now occasionally given independently.

Girl 51 of 52 years

Peak year
1984850 babies
Latest (2024)
#3848 babies
Total births
15,389since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 68%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1984 · 850
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).