Gwenda

Gwenda is a feminine given name of English and Welsh origin. It was created in the 19th century from the Welsh elements gwen meaning "white, blessed" and da meaning "good". Thus, the name carries the combined meaning of "white and good" or "blessed and good." It may also be a variant of Gwendolen (or Gwendaline) or a feminization of the Welsh saint's name Gwyndaf.

Etymology and History

The name Gwenda is a 19th-century coinage, drawing on the common Welsh prefix gwen- (meaning "white, fair, blessed") combined with da (meaning "good"). This formation is analogous to other Welsh names that pair gwen with a second element, such as Gwendolen (where the second element is dolen meaning "ring") or Gwenhwyfar (where hwyfar means "smooth"). The name first appears in English birth records in the September 1874 quarter of the UK General Register Office, while marriage records show an earlier appearance in the June 1861 quarter. Gwenda became regularly used until the 1960s but is now rare. Today, it is occasionally revived, especially among parents drawn to Welsh heritage names.

Notable Bearers

Gwenda Blair (born 1943) is an American nonfiction author known for works on, among others, Donald Trump. Gwenda Bond (born 1976) is an American writer of young adult and fantasy fiction. Gwenda Deacon (1946–2006) was an American actress who appeared in film and television. Gwenda Evans is a British costume designer recognized for her work in theater and film. Gwenda Hawkes (1894–1990) was a British racing driver, notable as one of the pioneering women in motorsport. Gwenda Morgan (1908–1991) was a British painter and printmaker. Gwenda Owen (born 1965) is a Welsh singer. Gwenda Thomas (born 1942) is a Welsh Labour politician, formerly Deputy Minister in the Welsh Government. Other bearers include actress Gwenda Ewen and Canadian actress Gwenda Lorenzetti.

• Meaning: "white, blessed" + "good"
• Origin: Welsh, coined in the 19th century
• Type: Feminine given name
• Usage: English, Welsh