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From Wales
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Maelgwn
Matholwch
Meirion
Merrion
Welsh
"of Mars, god of war"
Anglicized spelling of Meirion, the Welsh form of Marianus.
Merthin
Nye
Welsh diminutive of Aneurin
"honor"
This can make an unusual yet simple middle name choice, especially for anyone with family ties to Wales.
Neirin
Osian
Welsh variation of Oisin, Irish
"little deer"
Osian is the easier-to-comprehend version of the ancient Irish Oisin, an important name in mythology. Osian or Oisin was a warrior poet. Osian is popular in modern Wales and England. While Oisin is…
Owain
Welsh variation of Eugene or Celtic "well-born; born of sheep"
"well-born; born of sheep"
Owain is much more unusual than its brother name Owen, and feels a little more rugged, a little more adventurous and ancient. Possibly an Old Welsh form of the Latin Eugenius, or, deriving from other…
Olwyn
Percival
French
"one who pierces the valley"
There are several Percivals scattered through the Harry Potter series, which might help transform the old-fangled, fussy image it has accrued. Actually, the original Percival was the one perfectly…
Peredur
Welsh
"hard spears"
This was the name of several figures from Welsh mythology, and was also used by 12th-century chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth in his Arthurian tales, borne by a hopeful knight. The character of…
Powell
English, Welsh "alert; son of Howell"
"alert; son of Howell"
Powerful surname choice with many distinguished bearers, fresher sounding than Parker.
Price
Welsh
"son of Rhys"
Some names referring to expensive things -- Tiffany, Armani, Porsche -- are in fact declasse, but Price transcends that label with its simplicity and strength.
Rhodri
Welsh
"wheel, circle"
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…
Rhydian
Welsh
"unknown"
Variation on Rhidian, a Welsh saint's name.
Royns
Selwyn
English
"manor friend"
An old aristocratic English name which also belongs to Cambridge college, named for George Augustus Selwyn, the first Bishop of New Zealand, subsequently Bishop of Lichfield.
Siarl
Welsh, from German
"free man"
The Welsh form of Charles.
Sion
Welsh variation of John
"God is gracious"
This Welsh form of John is pronounced Shaun. But most Americans certainly wouldn't know that. Siôn Corn (showing the extra-authentic spelling) is the Welsh name for Santa Claus.