Welsh Names
- Delwen
Origin:
Welsh invented nameMeaning:
"pretty and fair"Description:
Delwen appears to be a modern invented name in Welsh, deriving from two common name components: del - meaning pretty and wen - meaning fair/white. Similar names include Delyth, also Welsh, and Elowen, which is Cornish.
- Iolo
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"weathy lord"Description:
Rhythmic Welsh nickname name, derived from the Welsh royal name Iorwerth, which has sometimes been anglicized as Edward.
- Rhian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Popular in Wales, but likely to be mispronounced as Ryan here.
- Jestin
Origin:
Welsh variation of JustinDescription:
Unusual twist -- but everyone will hear it as Justin -- or jester.
- Urien
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"of privileged birth"Description:
Too close to the name of a bodily fluid.
- Conwenna
Origin:
Cornish, Welsh or BretonDescription:
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.
- Tanwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white fire"Description:
Tanwyn is a modern Welsh name that can work for either sex depending on the spelling -- wyn is the traditional boys' spelling, while wen as in Tanwen is the girls' version.Famous bearers include surfer Tanwyn Travers and the hero of a Victorian Welsh legend titled Envy Burns Itself.
- Glenda
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fair and good"Description:
There aren't many Glendas under forty.
- Aland
Description:
Aland is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Old Norse elements meaning "foreigner's land" or could be connected to the Åland Islands between Finland and Sweden. The name might also relate to Alan, which has Celtic roots meaning "harmony" or "stone." As a given name, Aland is quite rare in most English-speaking countries, never appearing on popular name charts. The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its open vowels and clear consonants. Aland carries a certain Nordic or Scandinavian character that might appeal to parents seeking a connection to Northern European heritage. The simplicity of the name, combined with its uncommon nature, gives it a distinctive quality that stands out without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Romney
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"winding river"Description:
Brings to mind the romantic and elegant eighteenth century portraits of George Romney.
- Brychan
Description:
Brychan is a masculine name of Welsh origin with deep historical roots. It derives from the name of a legendary 5th-century Welsh king, Brychan Brycheiniog, who reportedly had numerous children who became saints in the early Celtic church. The name is connected to the region of Brecknockshire (Brycheiniog in Welsh) in Wales. Brychan has remained relatively uncommon outside of Wales, making it a distinctive choice with authentic Celtic heritage. The pronunciation (BRIK-an) may present some challenges for non-Welsh speakers, but its strong historical connections and unique sound make it appealing for parents seeking a name with genuine Welsh character and royal associations.
- Gracelynn
Origin:
Combination of Grace and LynnMeaning:
"Grace + lake; pretty"Description:
With Grace mega popular and Gracie on the rise, this modern compound name provides a trendy alternative. With the vibes of Brooklyn and Evelyn and the contemporary feel of Oaklynn and and Emberlynn, Gracelynn is currently in the US Top 400.
- Parry
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"son of Harry"Description:
Parry is quite common in Wales, often as a surname, but would inevitably be misunderstood as Perry or even Harry.
- Emlyn
Origin:
Welsh from LatinMeaning:
"rival"Description:
An Emily or Emma substitute that may be prettier and more classic as Emmeline or Emeline.
- Carew
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fort near a slope"Description:
Noted bearers of this surname include a metaphysical poet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a baseball Hall of Famer, so there's plenty of hero-name inspiration.
- Lleucu
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"dear light"Description:
Lleucu is often considered the Welsh equivalent of Lucy, as it shares the same meaning of "light", and a similar sound. (Lwsi and Liwsi are the phonetic Welsh spellings of Lucy.) It's a statement choice even within Wales, and the spelling/pronunciation would make it extremely bold in other countries.
- Ieuan
Origin:
Welsh variation of JohnDescription:
Ieuan was in the England & Wales Top 300 from the late 90s until the late-2000s, but in other countries, the pronunciation and spelling would be troublesome.
- Bleddyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"wolf's cub"Description:
Unusual two-syllable choice with a real pronunciation challenge.
- Nye
Origin:
Welsh diminutive of AneurinMeaning:
"honor"Description:
This can make an unusual yet simple middle name choice, especially for anyone with family ties to Wales.
- Wmffre
Description:
Wmffre is a masculine Welsh name that represents the Welsh adaptation of the Germanic name Humphrey. In Welsh orthography, 'W' often functions as a vowel, giving this name a pronunciation closer to 'OOM-fre.' The original name Humphrey derives from the Germanic elements 'hun' (warrior) and 'frid' (peace), essentially meaning 'peaceful warrior.' Wmffre remains distinctly Welsh and is primarily found in Wales or among Welsh diaspora communities. The name reflects the Welsh linguistic tradition of adapting borrowed names to fit Welsh phonology and spelling conventions. While not among the most commonly used Welsh names today, Wmffre represents an important part of Welsh naming heritage and might be chosen by families seeking to honor their Welsh ancestry with an authentic traditional name.