View Message

I used to dislike it, but after reading a webcomic with a Gwendolyn, the name became a favorite. Just hearing it more, and in a positive context, helped the name cross the divide from "old and stuffy" to "sweet, flowing, and poetic".
Edit: Just noticed that you're asking about a different spelling. I prefer the -lyn ending because it keeps the flow and poetry. The -line ending is more crisp. Would be concerned that people might hard-pronounce the -line ending. Not my preference, but also not bad.

This message was edited 8/14/2023, 9:32 AM

I like its upper-crust, Edwardian elegance. Gwendolen is also lovely.

I think it would cause pronunciation issues - the final syllable would get mispronounced a lot.

---

Gwendolyn and Gwendolen are better.

I'd expect Gwendolen, but I don't much like any version. That Gw- at the beginning is too far back in the throat; it makes me think of people swallowing a mouthful that's really too big.

The spelling feels unnatural compared to Gwendolyn, I read it like the word ‘line’.

I like it. I'd only use it with a very plain name (like Anna Gwendoline) because it's more frilly and complicated than Gwendolen. I like Gwendolen too, but Gwendoline is more delicate. It's a little lacy, but still has its feet on the ground.

Eh, it's okay, but I strongly prefer Gwendolen, which is plenty lovely and elegant. Changing the ending doesn't improve it imo nor appeal to my taste.

Lovely!

It's nice