Alwen

An unusual but beautifully simple name, possibly a variation on Aelwen, that belongs to a river in north-east Wales. It may appeal if you like similar names like Arwen, Anwen and Olwen.

The exact meaning is unknown but theories include: "white brow" (from the Welsh ael and gwen; "white footstep" as an alternative to Olwen; "nourishing" from a Welsh river name, ultimately from the pro-Celtic *al(aun)o-; "white, bright" as Breton form of Albina; and "elf joy" as a Breton variation of Old English Ælfwynn.

Alwenna and Alwena are alternative forms.

Pronounced AHL-wen.