UK Boy Names

A nice beachy name, but one that would require constant explanation. 

Siôr

Said to be the name of the most learned man in ancient Wales, in this country it would be open to mispronunciation, making it rhyme with Julien. 

Sulien

Country singer Travis Tritt is partial to the letter T for his children's names: he has a Tyler, a Tristan, and a son named Tarian. Tarian is a unisex Welsh name which, though used more for girls in Wales, would be perfectly acceptable here for a boy.

Tarian

Especially if you have Welsh roots, this prominent saint's name could be an interesting and more masculine alternative to Taylor. 

Teilo

A medieval Welsh form of Tudor. Rhys ap Tewdwr was an 11th-century king of Deheubarth in Wales 

Tewdwr

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.

Trefor

Too close to the name of a bodily fluid. 

Urien

Folant is a rare masculine name with possible Germanic or Eastern European origins. The name may be related to archaic terms meaning "wanderer" or "traveler," though its exact etymology remains somewhat obscure. With its strong consonants and distinctive sound, Folant projects a sense of uniqueness and character. The name has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining a truly uncommon choice across most regions. Folant has a certain medieval quality that might appeal to those drawn to historical or fantasy-inspired names. Its rarity offers the advantage of distinctiveness while its straightforward pronunciation prevents it from seeming overly complicated. Folant stands as a bold, uncommon choice with an air of historical mystery.

Folant

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.

Gwallter

An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan, Yale Pollack is the name of Woody Allen's best friend. The Hebrew Yael is not related.

Yale

If you want to go waaaaay beyond William, consider this Welsh form, which can also be spelled Gwilym, Gwilim, or Gwillym.

Gwylym

The connection to a knight of the Round Table in Arthurian legend gives this name a hint of nobility.  Geraint Thomas was a Welsh cyclist who competed in the 2008 Olympics.

Geraint

Aeddan is a masculine name of Welsh origin, a variant of the name Aidan. Derived from the Old Welsh element 'aed' meaning 'fire,' the name carries connotations of passion, warmth and spirit. In Welsh history and mythology, fire was often associated with inspiration and creativity, giving Aeddan rich cultural significance. While the Irish form Aidan has become quite popular internationally, the Welsh spelling Aeddan remains relatively uncommon, offering a distinctive alternative with authentic Celtic roots. The double 'd' in the middle creates a subtle difference in pronunciation, emphasizing the name's Welsh heritage. For parents seeking a name with Celtic origins that balances traditional meaning with a less common spelling, Aeddan provides both uniqueness and historical depth.

Aeddan

Rhodri, the name of an important ninth century Welsh king known as Rhodri the Great, a renowned warrior who was the ancestor of many of the later dynasties of Wales, was revived in modern Wales.  Has a nice Rory-like feel.

Rhodri

Penrose – an ancient locational surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – might work as a first name, although the "Rose" syllable might lead the uninitiated to assume it's a female name. As a middle name, however, it would make for a surprising and distinguished choice. A male Penrose could be called Pen/Penn, Ross or Roe for short.

Penrose

Celyn, which starts with the hard K sound and rhymes with Helen, is a Top 100 name in Wales although largely unknown outside that tiny, beautiful country. It is usually a masculine name.

Celyn

Ceri is traditionally a Welsh masculine name which historically has been Anglicised to "Kerry", but we love the Welsh original. Famous Ceris include British painter Ceri Richards and New Zealand soccer player Ceri Evans. Be aware that Ceri is sometimes used as a female name, both as a standalone name and as a shortening of the Welsh female name Ceridwen. 

Ceri

Llyr is a name with a great meaning and a lovely sound, but that sound is going to be next to impossible to get non-Welsh speaking people to pronounce (google the double L sound in Welsh). If you are outside Wales, you may wish to consider the Irish alternative Lir, which has the same meaning and an easier sound. 

Llyr

Islwyn is the name of a mountain in Wales which has a pleasant fluid sound. Islwyn has recently been made more familiar through Runescape.

Islwyn

Aneirin is the original form of the more common Aneurin (which was a mistaken spelling used after the 17th Century). Aneirin was one of the first great Welsh poets who flourished in the 6th Century. He was said to be the Prince of Bards. 

Aneirin

UK names for baby boys originate from all the languages and cultures of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, along with Cornwall and the Isle of Man. UK boy names range from the top names for boys throughout the English-speaking world, such as Edward, Jack, and James, to thousands of unique boy names like Kelso, Mungo, and Rowley.

Browse this list of UK boy names that originate in the Nameberry database that originate in the English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, Cornish and Manx languages and cultures. 

UK names for baby boys originate from all the languages and cultures of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, along with Cornwall and the Isle of Man. UK boy names range from the top names for boys throughout the English-speaking world, such as Edward, Jack, and James, to thousands of unique boy names like Kelso, Mungo, and Rowley.  (Page 73)