From Wales

Welsh names and connections. (Tips: F is pronounced as V, DD is like TH, SI is SH. In general, names ending in "wen" equals feminine and "wyn" equals masculine; but I know there is a lot more crossover these days.)
  1. Aderyn
    • Origin:

      Cornish
    • Meaning:

      "bird"
    • Description:

      Aderyn, like cousin Elowen, may have found her moment: Aderyn makes an original full name that gets you to the cute and trendy nickname Addie. Just remember to put the emphasis on the second syllable.
  2. Aeron
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "berry"
    • Description:

      Aeron was possibly a minor Celtic god of war, and is definitely a river in modern-day Wales.
  3. Aeronwy
    • Description:

      Aeronwy is a feminine Welsh name pronounced roughly as "air-ON-wee." It gained recognition as the name of Dylan Thomas's daughter, Aeronwy Thomas-Ellis, who became a poet and writer herself. The name has roots in Welsh geography, as Afon Rhonwy is a river in Wales, with "afon" meaning "river" in Welsh. Aeronwy embodies the lyrical quality characteristic of Welsh names, with its flowing sounds and unique letter combinations. Though rare outside Wales, it represents an authentic piece of Welsh heritage and carries poetic associations through its connection to the Thomas literary legacy. The name may appeal to parents with Welsh ancestry or those drawn to names with authentic Celtic origins. Despite its unfamiliarity to many English speakers, Aeronwy has a musical quality that can transcend cultural boundaries.
  4. Aled
    • Origin:

      Welsh geographical name
    • Description:

      This simple, solid Welsh name enjoyed moderate popularity in England and Wales in the '80s and '90s, after the success of choirboy Aled Jones.
  5. Alis
    • Description:

      Alis is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It can be considered a variant spelling of Alice, which derives from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning 'noble type.' Alis appears in Welsh tradition and also exists as a simplified spelling in various European cultures. In some Baltic contexts, it may be a masculine form. The name has a crisp, clean sound with its straightforward spelling, while maintaining the classic elegance associated with Alice. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Alis offers international appeal with its cross-cultural recognition. Parents might choose Alis for its subtle difference from the more common Alice, appreciating its simplified spelling and slight exotic quality while retaining familiar pronunciation and classical roots.

  6. 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.
  7. Alwyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh river name
    • Description:

      This Welsh river name has possibilities as a place name and nature name that is rare and uncommon.
  8. Alwyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh river name
    • Description:

      This name of a river in Wales makes a unique option for either gender.
  9. Alys
    • Origin:

      Welsh form of Alice, German
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Popular in Wales, familiar across the UK, and ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, this isn't a creative respelling of a classic, but the Welsh variant of it.
  10. Aneira
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "much snow"
    • Description:

      This airy Welsh name, which has only been in use since the early 20th century, is formed of the intensifying prefix an- plus eira ("snow"), making it a wintry nature name.
  11. Aneirin
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "very golden or noble"
    • Description:

      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.
  12. Aneurin
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "honor"
    • Description:

      Rarely heard in the US, Aneurin is best remembered in the UK as the Welsh politician, Aneurin "Nye" Bevan, who was instrumental in setting up the National Health Service when he was Minister for Health.
  13. Angharad
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "much loved"
    • Description:

      This name dates back to Arthurian legend, in which Angharad was the lover of Percival, one of the Knights of the Round Table, and was used more recently for the name of the favorite wife of the warlord in Mad Max: Fury Road. It was quite popular in the Middle Ages and is still heard in Wales, but we doubt that even the glamorous Rosie Huntington-Whiteley could propel it to wider popularity.
  14. Anwen
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "very fair, beautiful"
    • Description:

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

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "white, fair, blessed"
    • Description:

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

      Celtic
    • Meaning:

      " bear"
    • Description:

      Arthur, once the shining head of the Knights of the Round Table, is, after decades of neglect, now being polished up and restored by stylish parents, inspired perhaps by the new generation of royals. Arthur has led the list of possible names for the young British princes, chosen as a middle name for Prince Louis, son of William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales.
  17. Arvel
    • Description:

      Arvel is a masculine name with varied origins. Some sources connect it to Old Norse elements, possibly derived from 'arr' meaning 'eagle' combined with 'valdr' meaning 'ruler.' Others suggest it may be a variant of Arvid, meaning 'eagle tree' or 'eagle wood.' In some regions, Arvel is considered a diminutive form of Arvell or a variant of Orville. The name has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, experiencing brief periods of minor usage in the United States during the early 20th century. Arvel carries a rustic, somewhat old-fashioned charm while maintaining distinctive character. Its rarity makes it an uncommon choice for modern parents, though it appeals to those seeking a name with historical depth and unique quality.

  18. Arwen
    • Origin:

      Literature, Sindarin, Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "noble maiden; fair, blessed"
    • Description:

      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.
  19. Aerona
    • Afon