By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Welsh form of Mary
One of the many international versions of Mary that could make an unusual alternative. The similar sound to Maya/Maia could be a plus or a minus. Mair appears in the many Welsh towns and villages…
Welsh
"genuine, steadfast, true"
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…
"bird"
This 1950s Welsh bird name sounds less dated than our fifties Robin.
"pretty and blessed"
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.
"beloved friend"
A diminutive of the (male) name Dafydd, the Welsh form of David. In the US, it's strongly associated with the candy.
"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…
"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",…
"new pond"
Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.
"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…
"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…
The spelling makes the tradition Non even more of a non-name.
"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 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.
Cordi is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of Cordelia or Cordula. Cordelia has Celtic roots meaning 'daughter of the sea' or Latin origins meaning 'heart,' while Cordula…
"beautiful as a poem; crooked women"
A mythological Welsh name with an intriguing sound, Ceridwen appears in several Welsh legends, in which she is an an enchantress and the owner of the cauldron of poetic inspiration. She is also…
"love"
Common name in Wales that's all but unknown in the U.S. Certainly an attractive choice ripe for export. In the UK it sits at Number 330.
"maiden"
Popular in Wales, but likely to be mispronounced as Ryan here.
"loving, kindhearted, charitable"
A Welsh place name, possibly from the caru root, meaning "love, affection", Caron could work as a way to honor a Karen with a twist. It can also be used as a masculine name, as a variation of the…
Welsh form of Bridget
Santes Ffraid is the traditional Welsh name for St Bridget, the Irish national saint and legendary miracle worker. The connection becomes clearer through the Scottish form of the name, Bride. It's…
"slender, fair"
The delicate and haunting Welsh Rhonwen is still a rarity in the U.S., where her English version Rowena is better known, but would be a lovely choice for any parent in search of a name that was both…
