Guinevere/Gwendolyn question

austenreader85

Just curious. Does anyone know why these two names which sound the similar have a different beginning? I've always seen that they're both Welsh, so I don't get how that could be a factor. I'm sure someone out here knows though!

KateLouise

Maybe it's a pronunciation thing here in NZ but to my ears Guinevere and Gwendolen have quite a different pronunciation.

I liken the start to Guinevere to the vowel sound you'd hear in Quinn.

Where as Gwendolen has a distinct gWen sound like When. 

JMack1117

There's little girl in our playgroup named Guindolyn. Really the worst of all possible variations!

Moneypenny424

KateLouise:

Maybe it's a pronunciation thing here in NZ but to my ears Guinevere and Gwendolen have quite a different pronunciation.

I liken the start to Guinevere to the vowel sound you'd hear in Quinn.

Where as Gwendolen has a distinct gWen sound like When. 

I pronounce them like you, Kate.  Gwin vs. Gwen.

austenreader85

Thanks for the help! So would Gwenevere be just awful then?

Julietdunbar

Its not "incorrect" Its just another way to spell a name. It probably shouldn't bug you so much.