Welsh Names
Across 13 pages
of 13
Keris
Spelling variation of Kerris or Cerys
"love"
This phonetic version of the Welsh Cerys might be easier for Americans, certainly, to understand, but it does lose some poetry in translation.
Kerris
Welsh
"love"
Kerris is a much easier if less authentic phonetic spelling of the popular and pretty Welsh name Cerys.
Jestina
Jestina is a feminine name likely derived from the Latin name Justina, meaning 'just' or 'righteous.' The spelling variation with 'e' instead of 'u' gives it a connection to words like 'jest' or…
Sion
Sion, as a feminine name, is uncommon but carries rich historical significance. While more frequently used as a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'elevated' or 'highest point,' its feminine…
Myfanwy
Welsh
"my fine one; my woman; my beloved"
A lyrical Welsh name with both poetry and ruggedness, Myfanwy can mean "my fine, delicate one", "my woman", or "my beloved", depending on whether you consider the second element as derived from manwy…
Nerys
Welsh
"chief, lady"
A sweet yet substantial name of Welsh origin, Nerys has the fresh feel of Carys, but the vintage charm of Mavis, Morag, and Lois. Likely borrowing from the Welsh element nêr meaning "lord, chief",…
Newlyn
Welsh
"new pond"
Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.
Nolwenn
Welsh
"shining, holy"
Nolwenn is popular in Wales but would be a very adventurous choice in the US. Though with the increased visibility of names like Arwen, thanks to Lord of the Rings , it may not feel as odd going…
Non
Welsh
"nun"
The legendary St. Non was the mother of St. David, the patron saint of Wales. David was raised in a convent by his mother and went on to become a great teacher and bishop. Non is also known as Nonna…
Nonn
Welsh
"nun"
The spelling makes the tradition Non even more of a non-name.
Olwen
Welsh
"white footprint"
Olwen is a Welsh favorite, the name of a legendary princess in what is believed to have been the earliest Arthurian romance, and in fact one of the first recorded examples of Welsh prose. In this…
Olwyn
Welsh
"white footprint"
Olwyn is a popular Welsh name that might be an alternative to the more familiar Bronwen or Rhonwen -- though in Wales the female form is usually spelled -wen and the male one -wyn.
Eleri
Welsh
"greatly bitter"
Striking name of a legendary princess and a Welsh river that feels both moody and modern. It is currently popular in Wales.
Arwen
Literature, Sindarin, Welsh
"noble maiden; fair, blessed"
Best known as the princess of the Elves in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings , Arwen is a fantasy-inspired choice that feels perfectly down to earth. In 2022, it entered the UK Top 400, making it one of…
Rhys
Welsh
"ardor"
Less than ten percent of the babies named Rhys are girls, whereas Reese is given five times more often to girls than to boys, thanks to Ms. Witherspoon. It's a sleek and attractive name, but one that…
Rhian
Welsh
"maiden"
Popular in Wales, but likely to be mispronounced as Ryan here.
Rhiannon
Welsh
"divine queen"
Strong and outdoorsy, yet pretty and queenly, Rhiannon was a once obscure Welsh name, brought into the mainstream in 1976, following Fleetwood Mac's flash hit song of the same title. It stormed into…
Rhonda
Welsh
"noisy one"
"Help Me, Rhonda. sang the Beach Boys -- help me convince my parents not to give me this sixties name.
Sioned
Sioned is a feminine Welsh name, the Welsh form of Janet, which ultimately derives from Jane/Joan (meaning 'God is gracious'). Pronounced roughly as 'SHON-ed' with a soft 'sh' sound, it has been used…
Esylit
Esylt is a feminine name of Welsh origin, being a variant spelling of Essyllt or Esyllt, which is the Welsh form of Isolde (or Iseult). The name is prominently featured in Arthurian legend and Celtic…