Gwendolen

/ˈɡwɛndəlɪn/ noun

Definition

A female given name of Welsh origin, famously borne by the witty character in Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest.'

Etymology

From Welsh 'Gwendolyn' or 'Gwyneth'—'gwen' meaning white or fair, and 'dolen' meaning ring or loop. The name became more famous through literature and culture.

Kelly Says

Wilde's Gwendolen is hilarious because she's obsessed with the name 'Ernest'—she thinks if she marries someone named Ernest, she'll be 'Mrs. Ernest,' which was considered the height of romantic sophistication in Victorian times (total satire)!

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