Welsh Names that Start With N

  1. Nimue
    • Origin:

      Celtic Mythology (one of the names of the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legends)
    • Description:

      Nimue (Lady of the Lake) is the ruler of Avalon in the Arthurian legend. Nimue plays a pivotal role in many stories, including giving King Arthur his sword Excalibur, enchanting Merlin, and raising Lancelot after the death of his father.
  2. Nerys
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "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".
  3. Nesta
    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of Agnes
    • Description:

      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.
  4. Nye
    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Aneurin
    • Meaning:

      "honor"
    • Description:

      This can make an unusual yet simple middle name choice, especially for anyone with family ties to Wales.
  5. Nolwenn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "shining, holy"
    • Description:

      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 forward as it might have a generation ago. Other, similar ideas: Olwen, Anwen, Bronwen, Rowena.
  6. Non
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "nun"
    • Description:

      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 and Nonita, and is associated with Cornwall and Brittany along with Wales. While the name Non is well-used in Wales, it is largely unknown in the US and maybe be heard as the negative word "none" or prefix "non".
  7. Newlin
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "new pond"
    • Description:

      An obscure possibility...for a girl.
  8. Newlyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "new pond"
    • Description:

      Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.
  9. Nonn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "nun"
    • Description:

      The spelling makes the tradition Non even more of a non-name.