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Jenny Girl

Popularity: #788 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationJEN-ee / ˈdʒɛni

English; Hebrew

Meaning

English: Diminutive of Jennifer; Hebrew: God is gracious

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jenny is derived from the English diminutive of the name Jennifer, which itself originates from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar. The etymology of Gwenhwyfar can be traced back to the elements "gwen," meaning "fair" or "white," and "hwyfar," meaning "smooth" or "soft." This name was Latinized as Guinevere in medieval texts, particularly in Arthurian legends, where Guinevere is depicted as the wife of King Arthur, a significant figure in British folklore and literature. The transition from Gwenhwyfar to Jennifer occurred during the Middle Ages, with the name gaining popularity in England by the 16th century.

The name Jennifer became widely recognized through its use in literature and culture, particularly with the rise of the Arthurian romances in the 12th century, where Guinevere's character was further developed. The name Jenny emerged as a common diminutive form in the 18th century, reflecting a trend in English naming practices where affectionate or familiar forms of names became prevalent. This diminutive form was often used in poetry and folk songs, contributing to its cultural resonance.

Throughout history, Jenny has been associated with various literary works and cultural expressions. The name appears in numerous poems and songs, often symbolizing youth, beauty, and innocence. The character of Jenny in Robert Burns' poem "Jenny Geddes" from the 18th century exemplifies the name's connection to Scottish culture. Additionally, the name has been used in various folk tales and stories, further embedding it in the cultural fabric of English-speaking societies. The enduring nature of the name Jenny can be attributed to its melodic quality and the affectionate connotations associated with diminutive forms.

Trend Summary

Jenny experienced peak popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jen
  • Jenna

International Variants

  • Giovanna (Italian)
  • Yenni (Indonesian)

Famous people named Jenny

Jenny McCarthy is an actress and television personality best known for The Masked Singer, Singled Out, and her advocacy for autism awareness.

Jenny Lewis is a singer-songwriter and actress best known for her work with Rilo Kiley, her solo albums, and appearances in The Wizard and A Very Murray Christmas.

Jenny Slate is an actress and comedian best known for Parks and Recreation, Obvious Child, and her voice work in Zootopia.

Jenny Agutter is an actress best known for her roles in The Railway Children, An American Werewolf in London, and Call the Midwife.

Jenny Lind is a singer best known for her performances in opera and her tours in the United States, often referred to as the 'Swedish Nightingale.'.

Jenny Han is an author best known for the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series and The Summer I Turned Pretty series.

Jenny Offill is an author best known for her novels Dept. of Speculation and Weather.

Jenny Eclair is a comedian and author best known for her stand-up comedy, writing, and appearances on television shows like Grumpy Old Women.

Fictional characters named Jenny

Jenny is a fictional character from the animated television series The Muppet Show. She is a young girl who often interacts with the Muppets, showcasing her adventurous spirit and creativity.

Jenny is a fictional character from the video game series Borderlands. She is a skilled mechanic and a member of the Crimson Raiders, known for her resourcefulness and bravery.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jenny was first seen in the United States in 1880. Jenny has ranked as high as #201 nationally, which occurred in 1977, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Jenny has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jenny (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 22
23%
TX 14
14%
TN 10
10%
NY 9
9%
FL 7
7%
WA 7
7%
VA 6
6%
GA 6
6%
NC 6
6%
PA 5
5%
SC 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188013
188115
188216
188311
188417
188517
188616
188718
188824
188920
189017
189117
189227
189324
189425
189523
189629
189723
189825
189927
190039
190126
190224
190329
190416
190518
190635
190745
190835
190939
191041
191141
191272
191380
191484
1915106
1916136
1917131
1918142
1919146
1920188
1921178
1922174
1923189
1924212
1925201
1926211
1927222
1928185
1929203
1930235
1931222
1932199
1933219
1934156
1935186
1936174
1937176
1938197
1939173
1940238
1941247
1942273
1943293
1944296
1945302
1946396
1947533
1948466
1949536
1950568
1951660
1952777
1953756
1954827
1955759
1956759
19571,117
19581,203
19591,275
19601,351
19611,249
19621,396
19631,302
19641,146
1965987
1966858
1967767
1968856
19691,040
19701,409
19712,239
19722,636
19732,066
19742,131
19752,064
19762,425
19772,688
19782,617
19792,627
19802,646
19812,401
19822,455
19832,247
19842,136
19851,812
19861,632
19871,701
19881,401
19891,289
19901,337
19911,263
19921,140
19931,019
1994982
1995979
19961,012
1997874
1998778
1999758
2000828
2001810
2002840
2003709
2004685
2005613
2006667
2007616
2008512
2009406
2010350
2011362
2012308
2013336
2014336
2015281
2016235
2017260
2018220
2019196
2020153
2021146
2022165
2023174
2024162