Awesome Welsh Names
- Aeron
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"berry"Description:
Aeron was possibly a minor Celtic god of war, and is definitely a river in modern-day Wales.
- 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.
- Aderyn
- Awstin
- Bethan
Origin:
Welsh, diminutive of ElizabethDescription:
Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann.
- Briallen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"primrose"Description:
Unusual floral name which would be perfect for a spring baby girl, if you can pronounce the Welsh double L correctly. It's a tricky sound for non-native Welsh speakers, kind of halfway between an H and an L.
- Bronwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white breast"Description:
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.
- 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.
- Cadi
Origin:
Welsh diminutive of Catrin / CatherineDescription:
One of the cute diminutives that's in vogue in Wales... or could be an alternative spelling of Kaydie.
- Carys
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"love"Description:
Familiar in Wales and England, this name was introduced to America when Welsh-born Catherine Zeta-Jones and husband Michael Douglas chose it for their daughter in 2003. Light, pretty, and distinctive in appearance, it didn't catch on in the US, where it was only given to 22 girls in 2023.
- Catrin
Origin:
Welsh and GermanMeaning:
"pure"Description:
The sweet and simple Welsh form of Katherine, long popular in Wales but dropping down the popularity charts now. As a German name, it's a short form of Katharina.
- Ceri
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"to love"Description:
In Welsh, Ceri is traditionally a male name but can also be used for girls. It's a short form of Ceridwen too, the name of the Welsh goddess of poetry.
- Crystin
Description:
Crystin is a feminine name that represents a creative spelling variation of Kristin or Kristen, which derive from the Latin 'Christinus,' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This modern variant emerged during the trend of unique spellings in the late 20th century. The distinctive spelling with 'C' and 'y' gives the name a contemporary flair while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Crystin peaked in modest usage during the 1980s and 1990s but has remained relatively uncommon. The name might also evoke associations with words like 'crystal,' suggesting clarity and beauty. Parents might choose Crystin to honor a relative named Christine or Kristin while giving their daughter a more distinctive spelling. Though not among the most popular names, Crystin carries the advantage of being recognizable yet somewhat unique.
- Dafydd
Origin:
Welsh variation of DavidDescription:
Extremely common in Wales and England, Dafydd would likely leave some non-Welsh speakers confused at first. But we love the soft, lispy quality this variation offers.
- Dylan
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"son of the sea"Description:
Dylan still feels poetic and romantic after years of popularity. It still ranks highly on the charts, among the top boy names starting with D, so if you choose it, be aware that yours may not be the only Dylan in his class.
- Elain
Description:
Elain is a delicate feminine name of Welsh origin, considered a variant of Elaine. It derives from the Greek 'Helena,' meaning 'bright, shining light' or 'torch.' In Arthurian legend, Elaine (or Elain in some versions) appears as several characters, including the mother of Sir Galahad and the Lily Maid of Astolat who died of unrequited love for Sir Lancelot. The simplified spelling 'Elain' gives the classic name a more concise, modern feel while retaining its elegant essence. Though less common than Elaine, this variant has periodically appeared in usage, particularly in Wales and among families with Welsh heritage. The name carries connotations of beauty, purity, and literary romance.
- Evan
Origin:
Welsh variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Evan has a mellow nice-guy image that has kept it popular, while it has been widely used in Wales since the nineteenth century. And interestingly—and surprisingly—enough, Evan charts highly for boys in France.
- Glenda
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fair and good"Description:
There aren't many Glendas under forty.
- Grigor
Description:
Grigor is the Armenian and Bulgarian form of Gregory, a name with Greek origins derived from 'gregorios,' meaning 'watchful' or 'vigilant.' Popular in Eastern European countries and among Armenian communities worldwide, Grigor carries the distinguished heritage of notable bearers including medieval Armenian philosophers, modern politicians, and athletes. The name maintains its traditional appeal while being less common in Western countries, where Gregory or Gregor are more prevalent variations. Grigor projects strength and intellectual vigilance, embodying both scholarly and leadership qualities throughout its long history.
- Gwen
Origin:
Diminutive of Gwendolen or Gwendolyn, WelshMeaning:
"white circle"Description:
While Gwen may have originated as a short form of Gwendolen and Gwendolyn, these days it frequently stands on its own. Rocker Gwen Stefani has given it a shot of cool, and parents are choosing it as a standalone more and more often—Gwen hopped back onto the US Top 1000 in 2013 after an absence of over 30 years. Gwen could also be short for Guinevere.