When was Wendy first used as a name?

The name Wendy was popularized in the early 20th century, primarily due to J.M. Barrie's play "Peter Pan," which debuted in 1904. Barrie claimed to have invented the name for the character of Wendy Darling, although it may have been inspired by a childhood nickname. Prior to this, it was rarely used as a given name. Its rise in popularity can be traced back to the influence of the play and subsequent adaptations.