Yes, the name Wendy was indeed invented for the character in J.M. Barrie’s play and novel, Peter Pan. The name first appeared in Barrie’s work in the early 1900s. Barrie was inspired by a young girl named Margaret Henley, the daughter of a friend, who used to call him ‘my fat little boy’ and referred to him as ‘Wendy’. Barrie decided to use this unique name for his character, which later became iconic.
The introduction of Wendy into the story had a significant impact. She is portrayed as a maternal figure, contrasting with the carefree and adventurous spirit of Peter Pan. This dynamic added depth to the story, highlighting themes of childhood, adventure, and the complexities of growing up.
In summary, Wendy was a name created by Barrie for the narrative of Peter Pan, and it has since become synonymous with both the character and the themes of the story.