National Jennifer Day is on May 30, a special day for the special Jennifers in our life. Jennifer has a queenly past. The roots of the name go back to British legends in the 12th century and to the court of King Arthur’s Queen Guinevere. Over centuries, her portrayals in literature ranged from virtuous queen to fatally flawed. Pop culture has also given us various avatars of Jennifer — from affable Jen to Jennifer that shoots a mean bow and arrow. It shows that Jennifer’s a layered, complex, and all-around incredible human. When you meet Jennifer next, a respectful bow might be in order. Or a hug. You know your Jennifer best. Either way, today is about appreciating her.
History of National Jennifer Day
The name Jennifer seems commonplace today, yet its origins are anything but ordinary. Jennifer has distant connections to Guinevere, the beautiful queen by King Arthur’s side in British lore. One of the earliest forms of the name is the Welsh Gwenhwyfar, which means ‘The White Enchantress.’
Jennifer meaning, ‘the fair one,’ is undoubtedly a popular name for girls in the U.S. and first appeared in the 18th century. The name is traditionally feminine but not set in stone. Although rare, parents have named their sons Jennifer.
Jennifer’s meteoric rise came out of the blue, and the world presumably has Broadway to thank. Jennifer was an uncommon name in the early 20th century — an oddity to the American tongue. In the movie, “The Doctor’s Dilemma” by George Bernard Shaw, a character introduces herself as Jennifer — much to the bewilderment of the doctor, who thought it a “strange” name. When the play made its debut on Broadway in 1915, Jennifer rapidly grew into a cultural sensation. It doesn’t seem a coincidence that Jennifers’ past and present own their awesome legacy and blaze new ones.
American families have come to love the name, and the numbers don’t lie. From 1970 to 1984, Jennifer ranked number one on the list of top baby names. The name also consistently featured in the Top 10 list for 25 years, between 1991 to 1996.
National Jennifer Day timeline
The debut of the movie, “The Doctor’s Dilemma'' promotes the name, Jennifer.
Jennifer makes it to the top 100 popular names in the U.S.
According to data from the U.S. Social Security Administration, a total of 63,603 babies bear the name Jennifer.
Jennifer Lopez appears as a backup dancer in Janet Jackson’s video “That’s The Way Love Goes.”
National Jennifer Day FAQs
Is Jennifer a good name?
Yes, it is. Jennifer is a timeless and beautiful-sounding name.
How common is the name Jennifer?
Starting in 1970, Jennifer was the most popular baby name in the U.S. By 1984, it started losing its appeal, probably because it was too common.
What is short for Jennifer?
Jen or Jenny.
National Jennifer Day Activities
Throw a Jennifer-themed party
Celebrate the incredible Jennifers in your life by throwing a party in her name. Have guests dress up as popular Jennifers and there are a lot of options to choose from — Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Lawrence, or Jennifer Hudson. The list is endless
Send her something special
Does your Jennifer live far away? Send her a kind note, flowers, or chocolates to remind her how special she is.
Play a delightful song
Searching for ways to bond with a child named Jennifer? Sing them ‘Jennifer’s Rabbit’ by Tom Paxton, a musical adventure that makes a good story or a lullaby when Jennifer can’t fall asleep.
5 Amazing Facts About Jennifers
They are attractive
Jennifers are known to be sweet, hot, and attract lots of suitors.
Dependable and determined
They follow through on determinations and are confident.
Problem solvers
Jennifers are creative and idea generators that enable them to find new solutions to old problems.
Favorite colors
The favorite colors of those who bear Jennifer are mostly pink, crimson, and deep shades of red.
They can be intimidating
The confidence they exude make them seem intimidating and egocentric.
Why We Love National Jennifer Day
To make someone’s day
Besides birthdays, today’s probably the only other day dedicated to Jennifer(s). Therefore, make the most of today.
A means of bonding
Few things break the ice better than sharing a common name. Today’s perfect for celebrating you if you bear the name Jennifer and others with whom you share the name.
It celebrates diversity
Whether you’re Jennifer the queen or Jennifer the quiet one, we celebrate you just as you are. National Jennifer Day demonstrates the awesomeness of those who bear the name Jennifer.
National Jennifer Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | May 30 | Thursday |
2025 | May 30 | Friday |
2026 | May 30 | Saturday |
2027 | May 30 | Sunday |
2028 | May 30 | Tuesday |