Gender: Feminine
Origin: Breton
Meaning: “fair and generous”
(gweh-nye-YEL)
Derived from the Breton male name, Gwenhael, this name has recently become a trend in France. For an English-speaker, it might be appealing due to the fact that is can be shortened to Gwen, Nelle or Elle.
Gwenhael was the name of a Breton Saint. He was an abbot and confessor and died circa 518 (C.E).
As of 2010, was the 498th most popular female name in France.
Another form is Gwenaela. A franconized masculine form is Gwenaël.
How gorgeous! I love Gwen, but have never really totally loved Gwendolene – but Gwenaelle is stunning (maybe it’s my inner francophile speaking?)
Gwenaelle is one of my favorites too. I think she has so much potential in the English-speaking world.
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