Of Welsh origin.
From two Welsh elements, “gwyn”, meaning “white”, “fair”, and “dolen”, meaning “ring”, “loop”, “bow”.
Gwendolen appears in both Welsh and English mythologies.
According to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s “Historia Regum Britannieae” (History of the Kings of Britain), Gwendolen was the wife of King Locrinus.
According to the myth, she became the first Queen regnant of the Britons, after defeating her husband in battle.
Gwendolen is also referred as being Merlin’s (Myrddin Emrys’) mother or wife, depending on the myth.
It is a name often preferred by authors. Gwendolen is a character in Oscar Wild’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest”, in Henry James’ story “The Figure in the Carpet”, in Jean Anouilh’s play “Becket”, etc.
Other forms of the name are Gwendolyn, Gwen, Gwendoline, Gwenny, Wendolen, Wendie, Gwyndolin.