Breton Names

Maelie

Breton

"Princess"

The French Miley? This trendy choice from Brittany, which is pronounced either as Miley or May-lee, is related to the traditional (male) saint's name Mael, traditionally feminized as Maelle.

Anaelle

Breton form of Anna

"grace"

Also spelled Anael, this offers a new spin on an old standard. Or even a couple of old standards, if you count Annabelle.

Enora

Breton

"honor"

Unusual Honor or Nora alternative, but we prefer the originals.

Azenor

Breton form of Elinor or Helen

"light"

One way to spin grandma Helen or Ellen's name off the beaten track. The legendary Azenor was a tragic 6th century Breton princess who was mother to a saint. This personage also may be known as Senara.

Senara

Variation of Azenor, Breton

"light"

The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose…

Oanez

Breton variation of Agnes

"lamb."

Kind of a combination of Agnes and Inez, a name rarely heard in the US.

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.

Katell

Breton variation of Katherine

"pure"

Original twist on this classic.

Nanig

Nanig is an extremely rare feminine name with unclear origins, possibly derived from Armenian, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous roots. It might be a variation of names like Nanig, Nanic, or Nanuk found…

Perlezenn

Perlezenn is a rare feminine name of Breton origin, derived from the Breton word for "pearl" (perlez). In Breton culture, which comes from the Celtic region of Brittany in northwestern France, names…