Welsh names
- Mari
Origin:
Variation of Maria or Mary, Basque, JapaneseMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved; gift, mother; truth, genuine, villlage"Description:
Mari enjoyed some mid-century popularity as a nicknameish version of Mary, but now deserves a second look as a multicultural classic. Popular in Norway and Armenia as a variation of Marie, it is also the name of a Basque goddess and an Estonian word name.
- Bronwen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white breast"Description:
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).
- Eleri
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"greatly bitter"Description:
Striking name of a legendary princess and a Welsh river that feels both moody and modern. It is currently popular in Wales.
- Madoc
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fortunate, benefactor's son"Description:
Also spelled Madog, which was the name of an early Welshman, Madog ap Owain Gwynedd, reputed to have been the first European to discover North America in 1155. Maddox, the name of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's oldest child, is a stronger and more familiar choice.
- Sian
Origin:
Welsh variation of JaneMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Simple and pretty and user-friendly, the Welsh Sian was used by U2's Dave "the Edge" Evans for his daughter. In Welsh, it is also spelled Siân.
- Eirian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"silver, bright, brilliant, snow"Description:
A modern, unisex Welsh name with a shiny feel, Eirian can mean "silver" (from Welsh arian) or "snow, brilliant, bright" (from eira). It may appeal to those who like rising star Eira, but want something longer, or more gender neutral.
- Bryn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"hill"Description:
Bryn is an up-and-coming gentle, yet substantial, Welsh name that would also be effective in the middle spot. In Wales it's a traditional boys' name, but it's far more popular for girls now in the US.
- Rhodri
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"wheel, circle"Description:
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.
- Rhisiart
Origin:
Welsh from GermanMeaning:
"brave ruler"Description:
Welsh form of Richard.
- Cadoc
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"battle"Description:
St Cadoc was an early Welsh churchman, who gave his name to several villages in Wales, and according to his Life knew King Arthur. Less popular than other C__C names like Cormac and Cedric, Cadoc would be an almost unique, but easy-to-pronouce choice.
- Folant
Description:
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.
- Mair
Origin:
Welsh form of MaryDescription:
One of the many international versions of Mary that could make an unusual alternative. The similar sound to Maya/Maia could be a plus or a minus.