Meaning: Its source is an English expression meaning "Friend."

Popularity: The name Wendi ranked 884th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: Writer J.M. Barrie numbered among his childhood friends one Margaret Henley, who fondly called him by the baby-talk name ''fwendy wendy.'' He took the last part of this happy formulation for the name of the motherly girl in his 1904 play Peter Pan.

Some Ancient Germanic names may have also played a part in suggesting the name to Barrie. These include Wendelburg and Wendelgard. However, it is not likely their influence could compare to that of the playwright's little friend.