Gwen is one of several Welsh girls' names based on the feminine adjective gwen ("white" "fair" "blessed" "holy.": the masculine form is Gwyn.) It was the name of a 5th century saint and is still popular today, mainly but not only in Wales.
One well known variant of Gwen is Gwendolen (dolen means "ring" or "bow."). According to Welsh mythology, Gwendolen was the wife of King Locrine, who left her for a princess called Estrildis. In revenge, Gwendolen drowned Estrildis and her daughter in the River Severn. Today the name is quite rare, though it is still well known, partly because of the continuing popularity of Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest, in which it is the name of a chief character.
Other, less widespread names with this root are Gwenllian and Gwenyth (though Gwenyth may actually be based on the Welsh word for "wheat.")
One well known variant of Gwen is Gwendolen (dolen means "ring" or "bow."). According to Welsh mythology, Gwendolen was the wife of King Locrine, who left her for a princess called Estrildis. In revenge, Gwendolen drowned Estrildis and her daughter in the River Severn. Today the name is quite rare, though it is still well known, partly because of the continuing popularity of Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest, in which it is the name of a chief character.
Other, less widespread names with this root are Gwenllian and Gwenyth (though Gwenyth may actually be based on the Welsh word for "wheat.")
