Welsh Mythology

A name that crosses cultures, Idris was virtually unknown before the emergence of the charismatic Idris Elba, first on The Wire and then depicting Nelson Mandela in the acclaimed film.

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.

Math is a concise, powerful masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Welsh mythology, Math fab Mathonwy was a king and powerful magician, giving the name deep Celtic roots. It can also be seen as a shortened form of Matthew, derived from Hebrew meaning 'gift of God.' In modern contexts, the name evokes associations with mathematics and logical thinking. This short, punchy name offers simplicity and strength with just four letters, making it easy to pronounce across languages. While uncommon as a standalone given name, Math's brevity aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring short, impactful names. For parents interested in Welsh heritage or looking for a unique alternative to Matthew with intellectual connotations, Math provides a distinctive yet accessible option.

Olwen is a Welsh favorite, the name of a legendary princess in what is believed to have been the earliest Arthurian romance, and in fact one of the first recorded examples of Welsh prose.

Most of us had never heard this lovely Welsh name with links to the moon until we heard the 1976 smash hit Fleetwood Mac song of that name, with lyrics by Stevie Nicks. That same year it popped onto the U.S. Top 1000 at Number 593.

This unusual Welsh mythological name just might appeal to architect parents wishing to honor Frank Lloyd Wright, who called his two famous residences Taliesin and Taliesin West.