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Wendy

Girl name · 1,716 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Wendy: 1,716 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 290 births in 1974.

Wendy is a literary creation, first appearing in J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play *Peter Pan*, where it was invented for the character Wendy Darling. Barrie likely adapted it from a young friend who called him “friendly-wendy,” though it also echoes the Welsh name Gwendolen, meaning “white” or “blessed.” Notables include actress Wendy Hiller, talk-show host Wendy Williams, and composer Wendy Carlos. While no major place bears the name, the fast-food chain Wendy’s was named after founder Dave Thomas’s daughter, giving it a modern, everyday touch. The name also spawned the term “Wendy house” for a child’s playhouse, cementing its playful, storybook charm.