Welsh Names for Girls
- Bryn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"hill"Description:
Bryn is an up-and-coming gentle, yet substantial, Welsh name that would also be effective in the middle spot. In Wales it's a traditional boys' name, but it's far more popular for girls now in the US.
- Anwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"very fair, beautiful"Description:
Anwen is one of the simplest and best of the classic Welsh girls' names, more unusual than Bronwen but with the same serene feel.
- Myfanwy
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"my fine one, my woman"Description:
Intriguing Old Welsh name being revived there, but would have major pronunciation problems here.
- Evanna
Origin:
Feminine variation of Evan, WelshMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
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 are cousins of Evanna. It could also be a compound name, combining Eva and Anna.
- Mali
Origin:
Welsh form of Molly or ThaiMeaning:
"jasmine flower"Description:
Seems unfamiliar, till you realize everyone will just hear it as Molly. In Wales, Mali is a Top 100 name.
- Delyth
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"pretty and blessed"Description:
If you like soft, lispy Welsh names like Gwyneth, or want an alternative to Delilah, Adele, or Edith, consider this out-of-the-ordinary option.
- Eleri
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"greatly bitter"Description:
Striking name of a legendary princess and a Welsh river that feels both moody and modern. It is currently popular in Wales.
- Nesta
Origin:
Welsh variation of AgnesDescription:
This is the most popular Welsh form of Agnes. Variants include Annest and Nest. There was an eleventh century Nest who was known as 'Helen of Wales' for her beauty and the problems it caused.
- Nerys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"chief, lady"Description:
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", Nerys is a feminization and could then mean "lady".
- Dilys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"genuine, steadfast, true"Description:
Common in Wales, but would really stand out here. One of the middle names of Stella McCartney's daughter Reiley; Dilys Powell was a well-known British film critic, Professor Dilys Derwent a Harry Potter character., a witch who worked as a Healer at St. Mungo's Hospital, and was a celebrated Headmistress of Hogwarts School..
- Gwendolen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white ring, circle"Description:
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.
- Arianell
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"silver + yellow; silver + shining"Description:
This early Welsh saint's name is unusual and lovely, waiting to be discovered. Saint Arianell was a member of the Welsh royal family who was possessed by a spirit which was exorcised by Saint Dyfrig, who became Arianell's spiritual teacher.
- Rhian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Popular in Wales, but likely to be mispronounced as Ryan here.
- Penrose
Origin:
Cornish and Welsh place name and surnameMeaning:
"top of the heath"Description:
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 nature name Primrose. Intuitive nicknames Penny or Rosie make it feel more wearable.
- Rhys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"ardor"Description:
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 benefits from two accepted spellings that help clarify its gender identity.
- Tanwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"holy fire"Description:
Tanwen is a far more singular and colorful alternative to Bronwen.
- Efa
Description:
Efa is a feminine name of Welsh origin, serving as the Welsh equivalent of Eve. The name derives from the Hebrew 'Chavah,' meaning 'life' or 'living one.' Simple yet distinctive, Efa carries the same biblical connections as Eve, referring to the first woman in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In Wales and Welsh-speaking communities, the name has maintained consistent usage, appreciated for its cultural authenticity and brevity. Outside Wales, Efa offers parents a refreshing alternative to the more common Eve or Eva, while still connecting to their shared heritage. The name's short, two-syllable structure makes it accessible across language barriers while retaining its Celtic charm.
- Owen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"young warrior; well-born"Description:
Ever since singer Michelle Branch gave it to her daughter in 2005, Owen has started to be used for a small number of girls each year as well. Just 39 baby girls received the name in 2021, compared with over 8700 boys.
- Betsan
Origin:
Welsh pet form of ElizabethDescription:
Betsan is little-known outside of the U.K. but it could provide an intriguing alternative to Liz, Beth, Betsy, Betty, and Libby.
- Taffy
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"beloved friend"Description:
A diminutive of the (male) name Dafydd, the Welsh form of David. In the US, it's strongly associated with the candy.
The Nameberry App Is Live
Find your perfect baby name together in our iPhone app, now available on the App Store.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
