Welsh Names
Across 13 pages
of 13
Vaughan
Welsh
"small"
This familiar but never popular Welsh surname name might be a good Sean alternative-- and we're starting to hear some berrybuzz about it. Vaughn is an alternate spelling. There have been three major…
Vaughn
Welsh
"small"
Vaughn, also commonly spelled Vaughan, has been used quietly over the years, reaching a peak of Number 349 in 1949. It is now in the process of rediscovery, being seen as a good Sean alternative or…
Gwallter
Gwallter is a traditional Welsh masculine name that serves as the Welsh equivalent of Walter. Derived from Germanic elements meaning "ruler of the army" (from "wald" meaning rule and "hari" meaning…
Yale
Welsh
"fertile upland"
An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan , Yale Pollack is…
Sion
Welsh variation of John
"God is gracious"
This Welsh form of John is pronounced Shaun. But most Americans certainly wouldn't know that. Siôn Corn (showing the extra-authentic spelling) is the Welsh name for Santa Claus.
Bronwyn
Welsh
"white breast"
One of the loveliest of the Welsh names , striking the perfect balance between being familiar and unusual. In Wales, the female spelling is always Bronwen, but Americans usually see a "y" as adding…
Gwylym
Welsh variation of William
"resolute protection"
If you want to go waaaaay beyond William, consider this Welsh form, which can also be spelled Gwilym, Gwilim, or Gwillym.
Evanna
Feminine variation of Evan, Welsh
"God is gracious"
Evanna is the name of a Harry Potter actress who pronounces it ee-vah-na. This might be considered another international feminine form of the many variations of John; Ivana, Giovanna, and even Joan…
Geraint
Celtic, meaning unknown
The connection to a knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legend gives this name a hint of nobility. Geraint Thomas was a Welsh cyclist who competed in the 2008 Olympics.
Trystan
Celtic
"noise or sorrowful"
An alternative spelling of Tristan, and also the modern Welsh form of the legendary hero's name.
Aeddan
Aeddan is a masculine name of Welsh origin, a variant of the name Aidan. Derived from the Old Welsh element 'aed' meaning 'fire,' the name carries connotations of passion, warmth and spirit. In Welsh…
Rhodri
Welsh
"wheel, circle"
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…
Penrose
Cornish and Welsh place name and surname
"top of the heath"
Penrose – an ancient locational surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – might work as a first name, although the "Rose" syllable might lead…
Penrose
Cornish and Welsh place name and surname
"top of the heath"
Penrose – an ancient place-name and surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – would make for an even more unexpected alternative to quirky…
Betsan
Welsh pet form of Elizabeth
Betsan is little-known outside of the U.K. but it could provide an intriguing alternative to Liz, Beth, Betsy, Betty, and Libby.
Macsen
Welsh variation of Maximus, Latin
"greatest"
Macsen may sound like a modern invention, cousin to Jackson and Maxon, but it's a longtime Welsh variation of Maximus with evocative roots in legend. Macsen Wledig is another name for the Roman…
Celyn
Welsh
"holly"
Celyn, which starts with the hard K sound and rhymes with Helen, is a Top 100 name in Wales although largely unknown outside that tiny, beautiful country. It is usually a masculine name.
Nimue
Celtic Mythology (one of the names of the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legends)
Nimue (Lady of the Lake) is the ruler of Avalon in the Arthurian legend. Nimue plays a pivotal role in many stories, including giving King Arthur his sword Excalibur, enchanting Merlin, and raising…
Conwenna
Cornish, Welsh or Breton
Made familiar by poet William Blake. According to Blake, after her death, Conwenna "shines ... over the north with pearly beams gorgeous and terrible". Make of that what you will.
Ceri
Welsh
"to love"
Ceri is traditionally a Welsh masculine name which historically has been Anglicised to "Kerry", but we love the Welsh original. Famous Ceris include British painter Ceri Richards and New Zealand…