Names That Mean Circle

While Gwen may have originated as a short form of Gwendolen and Gwendolyn, these days it frequently stands on its own. Rocker Gwen Stefani has given it a shot of cool, and parents are choosing it as a standalone more and more often—Gwen hopped back onto the US Top 1000 in 2013 after an absence of over 30 years. Gwen could also be short for Guinevere.

Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished original is up for reappraisal.

Rhodri, the name of an important ninth century Welsh king known as Rhodri the Great, a renowned warrior who was the ancestor of many of the later dynasties of Wales, was revived in modern Wales. Has a nice Rory-like feel.

The -el ending feels inevitably feminine; also a form of French poetry.

A mandala is the magic circle of Buddhism and Hinduism, a powerful spiritual symbol used in art to represent the universe. It's also an important symbol in Jungian theory. As a first name, Mandala feels both natural and original, always a positive combination, but parents considering it should make themselves away of its deeper meaning.

For devoted New Agers only: yoga practitioners know this as the center of spiritual energy in the body.