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Welsh Names for Boys

  1. Alun

    • Origin:

      Welsh spelling of Alan; river in Wales

    • Description:

      This name of a river in Wales represents a vowel change from Alan, which makes the name somewhat more intriguing, but still possibly not intriguing enough. Bonus points if you're a surfer, sailor, or you're expecting a baby born under a water sign of the zodiac: It's one of the more unusual names that mean water.
  2. Caddock

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "battle"

    • Description:

      Anglicized form of Cadoc, a Welsh saint's name.
  3. Allyn

    • Description:

      Allyn is a gender-neutral name with versatile usage as a masculine name, though it also appears as a feminine option. With Welsh and Celtic origins, it relates to names like Alan and Allen, derived from elements meaning "handsome" or "cheerful." As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an elegant, sophisticated quality. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives Allyn a more contemporary feel compared to traditional variants. Despite never reaching high popularity rankings, Allyn has maintained consistent, modest usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name appeals to parents seeking a classic-sounding option with a modern twist. Its gender flexibility makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor unisex options. Allyn projects strength and refinement while maintaining an approachable quality.

  4. Trefor

    • Description:

      Trefor is a masculine Welsh name derived from the Welsh elements 'tref' meaning 'town' or 'homestead' and 'mawr' meaning 'great' or 'big,' which evolved to 'Trefmawr' and eventually shortened to Trefor. This name has deep roots in Welsh culture and is traditionally pronounced 'TREV-or' in Wales. Trefor remains relatively common in Wales but is uncommon elsewhere. The name has connections to Welsh geography, with several locations bearing the name. As with many Welsh names, Trefor experienced modest popularity within Wales but has rarely appeared on popularity charts in other English-speaking countries. The name represents Welsh heritage and carries connotations of community and significance within one's homeland.

  5. Gwallter

    • Description:

      Gwallter is a traditional Welsh masculine name that serves as the Welsh equivalent of Walter. Derived from Germanic elements meaning "ruler of the army" (from "wald" meaning rule and "hari" meaning army), this name carries strong connotations of leadership and authority. Historically significant in medieval Wales, Gwallter maintains its cultural authenticity while being quite rare in contemporary use. The name features the distinctive Welsh 'w' pronunciation and reflects Wales' linguistic heritage. Despite its relative obscurity outside Wales, Gwallter offers parents seeking a name with Celtic roots and historical depth a powerful and distinctive option with authentic cultural connections.
  6. Siôn

    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of John

    • Description:

      A more authentic -- and difficult -- version of Sean.
  7. Dai

    • Origin:

      Welsh; Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "beloved; great"

    • Description:

      A cross-cultural name that can be a nickname for David, as is common in Wales, pronounced "dye".
  8. Urien

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "of privileged birth"

    • Description:

      Too close to the name of a bodily fluid.
  9. Cadell

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "battle"

    • Description:

      Cadell is a surname that is unlikely to win many supporters, except perhaps from parents looking for an alternative to Caden. But while Cadell is more distinctive, that L ending is weaker and less appealing than Caden's strong N.
  10. Rheinallt

    • Description:

      Rheinallt is a masculine Welsh name with historical significance in Welsh culture. It derives from the Old Germanic name Reginald, which combines 'ragin' (counsel) and 'wald' (rule), meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'wise counselor.' The Welsh adaptation transformed the pronunciation and spelling to suit Welsh phonetic patterns. Rheinallt remains relatively rare even within Wales and is virtually unknown outside Welsh-speaking communities. The name carries a strong connection to Welsh heritage and language preservation, making it a choice that reflects cultural pride. The distinctive Welsh double 'l' (pronounced with a lateral fricative sound) gives the name a characteristic Welsh sound that may be challenging for non-Welsh speakers. Rheinallt represents an authentic option for families with Welsh connections seeking a name with genuine cultural roots.

  11. 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.
  12. Meurig

    • Origin:

      Welsh, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dark-skinned"

    • Description:

      The Welsh form of Maurice.
  13. Rhydderch

    • Description:

      Rhydderch is a masculine Welsh name with ancient Celtic roots. It derives from the elements 'rhudd' meaning 'red' or 'crimson' and 'derch' meaning 'splendid' or 'magnificent.' Historically, it was the name of several notable Welsh kings and nobles, particularly Rhydderch Hael (the Generous), a 6th-century ruler of Strathclyde. The name carries connotations of nobility, generosity, and leadership in Welsh tradition. While relatively uncommon in modern usage outside of Wales, it represents a strong connection to Welsh heritage and history. The pronunciation can be challenging for non-Welsh speakers, typically approximated as 'hrith-erkh' with a rolled 'r' sound.
  14. Mawrth

    • Description:

      Mawrth is a masculine name with Welsh origins, representing the Welsh word for the planet Mars and also for Tuesday (the day of Mars). The name derives from the Roman god of war, Mars, adapted through Celtic language evolution. Extremely rare as a given name, Mawrth has significance in astronomy and Welsh cultural contexts. Interestingly, 'Mawrth Vallis' is a valley on Mars that has been studied for potential signs of past water. The name offers a distinctive option for parents with Welsh heritage or interests in Celtic languages, astronomy, or mythology, though its unusual pronunciation (similar to 'month' but with an 'r') might present challenges outside Wales.
  15. Trystan

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "noise or sorrowful"

    • Description:

      An alternative spelling of Tristan, and also the modern Welsh form of the legendary hero's name.