Gwen vs. Caroline: Due in 30 days!

Hello friends! My husband and I cannot decide between [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] (“[name_f]Gwen[/name_f]”) and [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] for our little girl. The conservative side of me opts for [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]; it’s classic, elegant and in my mind east coast. But we both love the name [name_f]Gwen[/name_f], too, and I love the spelling [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] and its literary associations. Plus, I have some Welsh blood and prefer the original spelling. A little more whimsical, but still pretty classic, right? My concern is that it’s too medieval fairytale-ish. Help! I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you all!

[name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] is gorgeous and [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] is a fun, modern NN. I don’t think it’s too fairytale-ish at all.

I think they are both great! Between [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] and [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f], I lean toward [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]. But I adore the spunky nickname [name_f]Gwen[/name_f]! And [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] doesn’t have great nickname options, imo.

If it were me, I’d go with [name_f]Gwyneth[/name_f] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] “[name_f]Gwen[/name_f]”… but in your case I say go for [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f]!

Good luck :slight_smile:

I can see your dilemma, both are nice, but I say go for [name_f]Gwen[/name_f]! I also like the [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] spelling, but I would suggest you reconsider [name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f] if you’re on the fence. Now, there’s nothing wrong with going with [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f], but I feel like [name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f] resolves your concerns about the name with a more common spelling that also has the more contemporary “lyn” ending to it (without being in any way trendy). In my mind it brings [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f]/[name_f]Gwen[/name_f] a little closer to the “safe” conservative appeal of [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]. Good luck deciding, and rest assured either choice will be a winning one!

I prefer [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f], with that spelling. It still has the charm of [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], and it’s easier to nickname.

Personally I favour [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], but [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] is lovely as well.

I vote for [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] since it is more unusual. I think of [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] Ifill, a great journalist who died recently. I also see Nameberry says it has some literary pedigree. [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] is nice too but more common. I do like nickname [name_f]Carrie[/name_f].

[name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f]! It’s so sweet and quirky, and it wears well.

I’m a [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], and the name has served me well. Sold, classic name with tons of good nicknames.

[name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f]! It is a name I’ve always loved, so i’m biased. Personally I like a bit of fairy-tale-ness, but I don’t think it’s too much. People are naming their kids much weirder things which are becoming mainstream. While the spelling may look new to some people, it’s still a classic name that most people will recognize.

I love the name [name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f] if my one friend hadn’t used the name he would be on top of my list

I love both names! I would go with [name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f].

Oh definitely [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f]! I love that name, particularly that spelling. It would be my choice if it didn’t conflict with our chosen boy name. If our last is a girl maybe I’ll use it!

Another vote for [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f]! It’s rare that you hear that name and it’s so lovely. I do like [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] too.

Definitely [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] “[name_f]Gwen[/name_f]”. It’s a beautiful name. I don’t think it’s too whimsical.

I say go for [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] (might be a little biased :D), I’m not a fan of [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]. Sounds really old to my ear, and not in a good way.

I don’t really like [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f] or [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] but the nickname [name_u]Winn[/name_u]/[name_f]Winnie[/name_f] would be sooo cute
[name_f]Caroline[/name_f] is a much better choice if you dont want to use that nickname in my opinion :slight_smile: