-wen/wyn names

Aeronwen is a feminine Welsh name combining 'aeron,' meaning 'fruits' or 'berries,' with 'gwen,' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'fair.' Sometimes spelled Aronwen, this traditional Welsh name celebrates nature's bounty and purity. The name reflects Wales' rich linguistic heritage and connection to the natural world. While widely recognized in Wales, Aeronwen remains relatively uncommon in other English-speaking countries, though interest in Celtic names has brought increased attention to such traditional Welsh names. The pronunciation (eye-RON-wen) may present challenges for non-Welsh speakers, but its distinctive character and meaningful etymology appeal to parents seeking a name with authentic cultural roots and natural symbolism.

This Welsh river name has possibilities as a place name and nature name that is rare and uncommon.

Anwen is one of the simplest and best of the classic Welsh girls' names, more unusual than Bronwen but with the same serene feel.

Rarely heard outside of Wales, Arianwen is one of many pretty wen-ending names prominent in ancient Welsh legend.

Best known as the princess of the Elves in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Arwen is a fantasy-inspired choice that feels perfectly down to earth. In 2022, it entered the UK Top 400, making it one of the fastest rising names, more than doubling in use from the previous year.

An unusual floral -wen name which was the name of an 1878 opera by Welsh composer Joseph Parry.

This is an attractive Celtic mythological name, popular in Wales and a cousin of the better known Bronwyn. In Welsh mythology, Branwen was turned into a bird.

Bronwen is widespread in Wales, but still rare enough here to sound somewhat international — we think Bronwen is a real winner. (Note: the Bronwyn spelling is an Anglicization, since the -wyn ending is masculine in Welsh).

One of the loveliest of the Welsh names, striking the perfect balance between being familiar and unusual. In Wales, the female spelling is always Bronwen, but Americans usually see a "y" as adding femininity.

Celtic goddess of poetry, though less-than-poetic name.

Dilwen is a feminine Welsh name combining the elements 'dil,' meaning 'genuine' or 'true,' and 'gwen,' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'fair.' This creates a beautiful meaning along the lines of 'truly fair' or 'genuinely blessed.' As with many Welsh names, Dilwen has remained relatively uncommon outside Wales, giving it a distinctive quality while still being accessible in pronunciation. The name carries the melodic quality characteristic of Welsh names, with their lyrical flow. Dilwen offers a connection to Celtic heritage and Welsh culture while providing a unique alternative to more common Celtic names. Its gentle sound and positive meaning make it an appealing yet distinctive choice.