Welsh Names
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babynamesA few days ago I asked about Welsh names, and no one seemed to know many. Probably cause none of you live in Wales, but that's besides the point!
Well I have compiled a list of my favourite Welsh names, with some info about them! Most of them come from one site, and I don't know how accurate it is!
So - what do you think? What are your favourites?
*=would actually use!
MALE
Aedd from the Irish aedh fire; also a name of a king of Ireland. Shortened form of Aeddan
Alawn harmony
Aeddan Welsh form of Aidan. Slightly more unique, with out being U-NEEK about it!
Adda Welsh version of Adam, of the red earth
Dafydd* (DAH-vith) dearly beloved; Welsh form of David. St. David is patron saint of Wales. I just love the way this is pronounced, and the way it looks.
Alun* Welsh; possibly cognate of Alan. Also a river name in Wales spelled Alyn. I also like it spelt Alyn
Alwyn Welsh version of Alvin, friend of all; also the name of a river in Wales
Aneirin honorable or golden; of uncertain original derivation. Original form Neirin, with the A added in the 13th C.
Anwell from the word for beloved
Arthur* (AHR-thir) from Celtic artos bear, poss. from Latin name Artorius. Name of the legendary king and culture hero. I'll give you the warning now - there are LOADS of King Arthur legend names in here! Some because I like the name, but mostly because I love the story behind it as well!
Bors son of the king of Benoic and cousin to Lancelot. He was one of the best Knights of the Round Table along with Galahad and Perceval
Bran* from Welsh for raven or crow. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Bryn* (BRIN) from Welsh for hill. Although not if we lived in Wales, cause I'm fairly sure that bryn actually means hill, so Welsh lessons could be a pain!
Cadarn strong
Cai* (KAY) Usu. derived from Latin name Caius, poss. similar with Irish cai, path, way; other sources say it means rejoicer
Cei (KAY)possibly derived from a word meaning fiery, others believe it means keeper of the keys
Cian* (KEE-an) possibly from Welsh ci (cwn) hound, wolf, or from Old Irish cian ancient, enduring
Dillan faithful
Drew wise
Dylan* (DIL-un or DUHL-an) Welsh word for ocean, sea, the deep. Always been a favourite!
Emlyn (EM-lin) from Latin aemilianus flattering, charming; some sources say waterfall
Emrys* (EM-rees) Welsh form of English Ambrosius, from Greek Ambrosios immortal.
Eoin* young warrior; form of Evan/Owen
Evan (EV-ahn) Welsh form of John
Galahad* illegitimate son of Lancelot and Elaine; a pure knight who surpassed his father's deeds of valor and died when he saw the Holy Grail. Ok, so I wouldn't actually use it, but I would if I could!
Gareth* (GAHR-eth) from Welsh gwaraidd civilized, gentle; other sources have the meaning powerful with the spear from an Anglo-Saxon word. Can't use cause bf's name is Gary, but like anyway!
Gawain* a Knight of the Round Table, and a son of Lot and Morgause of Orkney. He was also known as Gwalchmai, Hawk of May. Ditto Galahad
Gethin* (GETH-in) from Welsh cethin dark, dusky. I really love this name. A lot.
Griffin (GRIFF-in) from the mythological beast. From Welsh cryf strong + udd lord
Griffith* (GRIF-ith) from Welsh cryf strong + udd lord; possibly also red-haired
Huw* (HYOO) Welsh version of Hugh, from Old German hugi intelligence, spirit. I know most of you will hate this spelling, but it is legit, and I love it!
Ieuan (YAY-an) from Latin Johannes. Ieuan is the Welsh version of John, god is gracious. I HATE the way this looks written down, but I LOVE the way it's pronounced!
Iowerth (YOH-wayrth) from Norse ior lord + Welsh gwerth value, worth. Used as the Welsh version of Edward since the Middle Ages
Myrddin* (MUHR-din or MUHR-thin) from British moridunon sea fortress. Welsh source of the name is from the sorcerer Merlin. Yeah, yeah, yeah, wouldn't really use it...but I'd like to!
Rhys* (RHEES) from Welsh rhys ardor, passion, rash. Freaking love. Getting very high on my list of favourites
Taliesin* (tahl-YES-in) from Welsh tal forehead, brow + iesin radiant, shining. Ditto Myrddin, Galahad and Gawain, although I have met someone with this name. Thankfully it was only once though. He was a bit of an odd-ball!
Tomos* (TOHM-ohs) Welsh version of Thomas, twin. Nickname Twm (Tom). So much nicer than Thomas
Wynn* handsome, fair, white one or light complexion.
FEMALE
Adain from a Welsh word meaning winged
Alys* Welsh variant of Alice. Love the name Alice, but love this spelling even more!
Ariana* silvery; variant of Arionrhod. Pretty.
Ariene silvery
Bethan* (BETH-ahn) consecrated to God'; Welsh version of Elizabeth
Branwen* (BRAN-wen or BRAN-oo-wen) white bosomed, or a girl with black hair and white skin; from Welsh bran crow + gwen shining, holy. But y'know if I had a girl, she'd most likely be blonde as my family and my bf's are all blonde!
Briallen* (bree-AHL-en) from Welsh briallu primrose. really pretty. Love it!
Carys* From the Welsh word to love. Love. It is rare for me to love a girls name as muich as I love this one!
Ceridwen (ker-ID-wen) Poss. from Welsh cerdd song + gwen shining, holy; or cariad beloved + gwen shining, holy
Eleri (el-AYR-ee) Poss. derived from Welsh el- greatly, much + geri bitter. Name of a river in Ceredigion and a 5th C. saint. So the meaning isn't that great, but it sounds pretty!
Guinevere fair one; a variant spelling of Gwenhwyfar; in Arthurian legend, the daughter of Leodegrance of Cameliard, and the wife of King Arthur.
Gwendolyn (gwen-DOHL-en) variant of Guinevere meaning white brow; from Welsh gwen shining, holy + dolen link
Gwenhwyfar* (gwen-HWIV-ahr) Welsh original of Guinevere, from gwen shining, holy + hwyfer phantom, spirit, fairy. One of the most common names among Welsh women for Middle Ages until the 19th C., especially in N. Wales. Love this spelling of the name, but I this would get misspelled and mispronounced far too much, even in Wales!
Gwyneth* (GWIN-eth) from Welsh gwen shining, holy + geneth girl, or from gwynaeth happiness, bliss. Pretty, and I like the 'gwyn-' sound, in case you hadn't noticed!
Isolde fair one; name of the herione in the Tristan saga and the name of a princess in Arthurian sagas
Jenifer* from Welsh meaning friend of peace; Old Welsh white phantom, white spirit; and a variant of Guinevere. The spelling with one 'n' is traditional. Wouldn't use it I don't think, cause I know too mnay, but if I did I'd use this spelling!
Lilybet* God's promise. SO pretty, but too nicknamey! If I had a daughter called Elizabeth, she would be called Lilybet!
Linette from a Welsh word meaning idol
Lysanor mother of one of Arthur's illegitimate sons.
Morgana edge of the sea
Nerys (NER-ees) from Welsh ner lord, and a modern form of the medieval name Generys
Olwen (OHL-wen) white footprint or shining track; from ol track, trace + gwen shining, holy
Rhan fate
Rhian* (RHEE-an) from Welsh rhiain maiden. Love
Rhiannon* (rhee-AHN-on) from Celtic Rigantona divine queen. Love even more!
Rhonwen (RHON-wen) poss. from Welsh rhon spear + gwen shining, holy; other sources say it means white hair and related to the name Rowena
Seren* (SER-en) Welsh word for star. I think it's such a lovely meaning.
Sian (SHAN) God's gracious gift; Welsh form of Jane or Jean
Tanwen (TAHN-wen) from Welsh tan fire + gwen shining, holy
Tegan (TEG-ahn) from Welsh teg pretty, fine + -an. Name of an early saint and a river in Ceredigion
Vivian legendary name from the tales of King Arthur, also known as Nimue
Wynne variant of Gwen, from gwyn fair, white
Ysbail* Welsh version of Isabel, consecrated to god. If I was going to use a variant of Isobel, I'd use this one! Yes, I know she'd be forever spelling her name out, but it's much nicer!
Well I have compiled a list of my favourite Welsh names, with some info about them! Most of them come from one site, and I don't know how accurate it is!
So - what do you think? What are your favourites?
*=would actually use!
MALE
Aedd from the Irish aedh fire; also a name of a king of Ireland. Shortened form of Aeddan
Alawn harmony
Aeddan Welsh form of Aidan. Slightly more unique, with out being U-NEEK about it!
Adda Welsh version of Adam, of the red earth
Dafydd* (DAH-vith) dearly beloved; Welsh form of David. St. David is patron saint of Wales. I just love the way this is pronounced, and the way it looks.
Alun* Welsh; possibly cognate of Alan. Also a river name in Wales spelled Alyn. I also like it spelt Alyn
Alwyn Welsh version of Alvin, friend of all; also the name of a river in Wales
Aneirin honorable or golden; of uncertain original derivation. Original form Neirin, with the A added in the 13th C.
Anwell from the word for beloved
Arthur* (AHR-thir) from Celtic artos bear, poss. from Latin name Artorius. Name of the legendary king and culture hero. I'll give you the warning now - there are LOADS of King Arthur legend names in here! Some because I like the name, but mostly because I love the story behind it as well!
Bors son of the king of Benoic and cousin to Lancelot. He was one of the best Knights of the Round Table along with Galahad and Perceval
Bran* from Welsh for raven or crow. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Bryn* (BRIN) from Welsh for hill. Although not if we lived in Wales, cause I'm fairly sure that bryn actually means hill, so Welsh lessons could be a pain!
Cadarn strong
Cai* (KAY) Usu. derived from Latin name Caius, poss. similar with Irish cai, path, way; other sources say it means rejoicer
Cei (KAY)possibly derived from a word meaning fiery, others believe it means keeper of the keys
Cian* (KEE-an) possibly from Welsh ci (cwn) hound, wolf, or from Old Irish cian ancient, enduring
Dillan faithful
Drew wise
Dylan* (DIL-un or DUHL-an) Welsh word for ocean, sea, the deep. Always been a favourite!
Emlyn (EM-lin) from Latin aemilianus flattering, charming; some sources say waterfall
Emrys* (EM-rees) Welsh form of English Ambrosius, from Greek Ambrosios immortal.
Eoin* young warrior; form of Evan/Owen
Evan (EV-ahn) Welsh form of John
Galahad* illegitimate son of Lancelot and Elaine; a pure knight who surpassed his father's deeds of valor and died when he saw the Holy Grail. Ok, so I wouldn't actually use it, but I would if I could!
Gareth* (GAHR-eth) from Welsh gwaraidd civilized, gentle; other sources have the meaning powerful with the spear from an Anglo-Saxon word. Can't use cause bf's name is Gary, but like anyway!
Gawain* a Knight of the Round Table, and a son of Lot and Morgause of Orkney. He was also known as Gwalchmai, Hawk of May. Ditto Galahad
Gethin* (GETH-in) from Welsh cethin dark, dusky. I really love this name. A lot.
Griffin (GRIFF-in) from the mythological beast. From Welsh cryf strong + udd lord
Griffith* (GRIF-ith) from Welsh cryf strong + udd lord; possibly also red-haired
Huw* (HYOO) Welsh version of Hugh, from Old German hugi intelligence, spirit. I know most of you will hate this spelling, but it is legit, and I love it!
Ieuan (YAY-an) from Latin Johannes. Ieuan is the Welsh version of John, god is gracious. I HATE the way this looks written down, but I LOVE the way it's pronounced!
Iowerth (YOH-wayrth) from Norse ior lord + Welsh gwerth value, worth. Used as the Welsh version of Edward since the Middle Ages
Myrddin* (MUHR-din or MUHR-thin) from British moridunon sea fortress. Welsh source of the name is from the sorcerer Merlin. Yeah, yeah, yeah, wouldn't really use it...but I'd like to!
Rhys* (RHEES) from Welsh rhys ardor, passion, rash. Freaking love. Getting very high on my list of favourites
Taliesin* (tahl-YES-in) from Welsh tal forehead, brow + iesin radiant, shining. Ditto Myrddin, Galahad and Gawain, although I have met someone with this name. Thankfully it was only once though. He was a bit of an odd-ball!
Tomos* (TOHM-ohs) Welsh version of Thomas, twin. Nickname Twm (Tom). So much nicer than Thomas
Wynn* handsome, fair, white one or light complexion.
FEMALE
Adain from a Welsh word meaning winged
Alys* Welsh variant of Alice. Love the name Alice, but love this spelling even more!
Ariana* silvery; variant of Arionrhod. Pretty.
Ariene silvery
Bethan* (BETH-ahn) consecrated to God'; Welsh version of Elizabeth
Branwen* (BRAN-wen or BRAN-oo-wen) white bosomed, or a girl with black hair and white skin; from Welsh bran crow + gwen shining, holy. But y'know if I had a girl, she'd most likely be blonde as my family and my bf's are all blonde!
Briallen* (bree-AHL-en) from Welsh briallu primrose. really pretty. Love it!
Carys* From the Welsh word to love. Love. It is rare for me to love a girls name as muich as I love this one!
Ceridwen (ker-ID-wen) Poss. from Welsh cerdd song + gwen shining, holy; or cariad beloved + gwen shining, holy
Eleri (el-AYR-ee) Poss. derived from Welsh el- greatly, much + geri bitter. Name of a river in Ceredigion and a 5th C. saint. So the meaning isn't that great, but it sounds pretty!
Guinevere fair one; a variant spelling of Gwenhwyfar; in Arthurian legend, the daughter of Leodegrance of Cameliard, and the wife of King Arthur.
Gwendolyn (gwen-DOHL-en) variant of Guinevere meaning white brow; from Welsh gwen shining, holy + dolen link
Gwenhwyfar* (gwen-HWIV-ahr) Welsh original of Guinevere, from gwen shining, holy + hwyfer phantom, spirit, fairy. One of the most common names among Welsh women for Middle Ages until the 19th C., especially in N. Wales. Love this spelling of the name, but I this would get misspelled and mispronounced far too much, even in Wales!
Gwyneth* (GWIN-eth) from Welsh gwen shining, holy + geneth girl, or from gwynaeth happiness, bliss. Pretty, and I like the 'gwyn-' sound, in case you hadn't noticed!
Isolde fair one; name of the herione in the Tristan saga and the name of a princess in Arthurian sagas
Jenifer* from Welsh meaning friend of peace; Old Welsh white phantom, white spirit; and a variant of Guinevere. The spelling with one 'n' is traditional. Wouldn't use it I don't think, cause I know too mnay, but if I did I'd use this spelling!
Lilybet* God's promise. SO pretty, but too nicknamey! If I had a daughter called Elizabeth, she would be called Lilybet!
Linette from a Welsh word meaning idol
Lysanor mother of one of Arthur's illegitimate sons.
Morgana edge of the sea
Nerys (NER-ees) from Welsh ner lord, and a modern form of the medieval name Generys
Olwen (OHL-wen) white footprint or shining track; from ol track, trace + gwen shining, holy
Rhan fate
Rhian* (RHEE-an) from Welsh rhiain maiden. Love
Rhiannon* (rhee-AHN-on) from Celtic Rigantona divine queen. Love even more!
Rhonwen (RHON-wen) poss. from Welsh rhon spear + gwen shining, holy; other sources say it means white hair and related to the name Rowena
Seren* (SER-en) Welsh word for star. I think it's such a lovely meaning.
Sian (SHAN) God's gracious gift; Welsh form of Jane or Jean
Tanwen (TAHN-wen) from Welsh tan fire + gwen shining, holy
Tegan (TEG-ahn) from Welsh teg pretty, fine + -an. Name of an early saint and a river in Ceredigion
Vivian legendary name from the tales of King Arthur, also known as Nimue
Wynne variant of Gwen, from gwyn fair, white
Ysbail* Welsh version of Isabel, consecrated to god. If I was going to use a variant of Isobel, I'd use this one! Yes, I know she'd be forever spelling her name out, but it's much nicer!
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no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 03:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 03:44 pm (UTC)The only Welsh names I really like are Rhys, Linette/Lynette and Gwendolyn. Mainly because I can pronounce them, and there aren't rampant w's and y's. Ioan's also nice, but I'd never use it because no one would be able to pronounce it...unless Ioan Gruffudd suddenly became extraordinarily popular.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 04:01 pm (UTC)I like the Welshized [nice word!] versions just because they're different, and seen as completly normal here! I admit if we lived in the middle of America or something it would be odd to use a name like Gwenhwyfar or Ieuan!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 03:47 pm (UTC)Glenda (have liked it forever, i was unaware it was welsh)
Briallen
Carys
Deare
Rhiannon
Morgana
Eleri
Llewellyn (same here as with Glenda)
Mabli
Nerys
Nia
no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 03:58 pm (UTC)I like most of the ones you posted!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 04:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 04:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 04:51 pm (UTC)My favourites of your list are Arthur, Griffith and Taliesin (that last one's particularly awesome), Carys (although I like the French version, Carice, even better...but that's just me), Ceridwen & Lilybet. Welsh names often have great meanings, I think.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 05:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-23 07:25 pm (UTC)I think Welsh names might be my thing! I've never found o many female names I love!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-24 12:48 am (UTC)He has a very 'Australian' name, I guess - his mother is half Australian, father full Welsh.
Adrian Robert Evans.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-24 08:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-24 09:03 am (UTC)I can't wait to visit!
He was born/raised in Pontypool and lived in Barry.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-24 09:05 am (UTC)Barry's about an hour from where I live. It's so pretty round here.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-24 12:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-24 08:34 am (UTC)I'd love to be able to use Taliesin, but I#d never be able to - to bf would hate it!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 05:25 am (UTC)Bryn actually is a popular Welsh name for men; it wouldn't be seen as weird.
I'm definitely thinking Eleri as a middle name.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 08:38 am (UTC)Eleri is pretty.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 04:50 pm (UTC)Where in Wales are you from?
no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 04:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 04:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 04:57 pm (UTC)Where do you live, if you don't mind me asking?
no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 05:01 pm (UTC)But I went to school in Lampeter.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 05:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-25 05:07 pm (UTC)