The Welsh have long had strong ties to their homeland. Learn about traditional Welsh baby names and decide if they sound lovely or strange!
Here we’ll be talking about a handful of them that you can pick and either recommend to a loved one or give to your own child.
Use these pure and powerful names to bestow a blessing on him or her, or to instill fear into the heart of everything evil.
Welsh names are common to both native and non-native speakers of the language and, talking about their peculiarities, the names are structurally unique. In fact, the structure and meaning of these names are so out-of-the-ordinary that it attracts the interest of researchers!
To help you understand what we are talking about, let’s take a tour on the historic aspect of names from Wales – you can skip ahead with the table of contents below.
Contents
Naming Inspiration: The Welsh Language
Names for Boys
Most Popular
Most Common
Most Unique
Names for Girls
Most Popular
The Rarest
Most Beautiful
Naming Inspiration: The Welsh Language
Welsh is a language spoken in Wales, a part of the United Kingdom that is located in the western portion of the island of Great Britain.
There are approximately 500,000 Welsh speakers today and, due to a renewed interest in the language and culture, this number may increase. Most people in Wales, however, are English-speaking, with Welsh as a second language; in the north and west, many people Welsh and English bilinguals.
The earliest evidence of a human presence in Wales dates from the Paleolithic, or Old Stone Age, a period almost 200,000 years ago.
Now many urge that most of these names bring blessings, and some help them for protection and the rest. Language has made it possible for people to feel a sense of unity in the Welsh tongue more than other Celtic languages.
So, if you are looking for a name that either brings protection, blessing, righteousness, virtue, justice, etc., you won’t be wrong in picking Welsh names like Cadarn which means “strong,” Cadman which means “warrior, battle man,” Evann which means “God is good,” etc., for the boys.
While for the girls you can pick names like Arial which means “Vigorous,” or Gracie which means “God’s beauty, favor, kindness, and mercy.”
For those of you with as strong will and spirit that have gone in search of a good name without any result, I bring you good news – below is a trailer load of names that you can pick from, all you have to do is to pick one that catches your fancy.
Now, go and pick for yourself that name that you think befits that baby of yours. Go, I say, go and never look back!
Welsh Names for Boys
Now here are names given to male children in the language. Here, the names are written with their meanings. Pick one that suits you and your lovely baby boy!
- Aberthol – Sacrifice
- Addolgar – Devout
- Aedd – A king of Ireland
- Alawn – Harmony
- Albanwr – From Scotland
- Aled – Offspring
- Alwin – From Alwyn
- Amerawdwr – Emperor
- Amynedd – Patient
- Anfri – Disgrace
- Angawdd – Legendary son of Caw
- Anghrist – Antichrist
- Angor – Anchor
- Angor – Anchor
- Anwar – Wild
- Anwell – Beloved
- Anwir – Liar
- Anyon – Anvil
- Ap Evan – Son of Evan
- Ap Harry – Son of Harry
- Ap Howell – Son of Howell
- Ap Maddock – Son of Maddock
- Ap Owen – Son of Owen
- Ap Rhys – Son of Rhys
- Ap Roderick – Son of Rederick
- Bran – Raven
- Brychan – Speckled; spotted
- Bryn – Hill
- Brynn – From the hill
- Cadarn – Strong
- Cadawg – Battle sharp
- Cadman – Warrior
- Cadyryeith – Well spoken
- Caerau – From the castle
- Cant – White
- Caradoc – Affection; amiable.
- Cystenian – Steady; stable
- Daryn – Great
- Delwin – Godly friend
- Deverell – From the riverbank
- Dewitt – Blond
- Digon – Legendary son of Alar
- Dilan – Born near the sea
- Dryw – Wise
- Earwin – White river
- Edmyg – Honor
- Elgan – Bright circle
- Emhyr – Ruler
- Emlyn – Waterfall
- Emrick – Immortal
- Evan – Young
- Evann – God is good
- Evrawg – From York
- Fane – Good-natured
- Ffionn – Foxglove flower
- Ffowc – Of the people
- Folant – Strong
- Fychan – Small
- Garanwyn – White shank
- Gleis – Legendary son of Merin
- Gruffen – Fierce lord
- Gruffudd – Red haired
- Gryphin – Strong in faith
- Gusg – Legendary son of Achen
- Gwakmai – Hawk of the battle
- Gwendelyn – Fair; blessed
- Gwern – Old
- Hen Was – Old servant
- Hen Wyneb – Old face
- Hydd – Deer
- Hywel – Eminent
- Idris – Fiery lord
- Lago – Supplanter
- Ofor – Lord
Popular Welsh Baby Boy Names
These are great boy names in Welsh, which have been observed to be famously used by both native and non-native speakers of the language.
- Aidan – Pupil of Dewi
- Alan – Welsh Saint
- Aron – Celtic Saint
- Arthur – The legend himself
- Arwyn – Handsome
- Brad – Broad clearing
- Brian – Strong, virtuous
- Bryn – A hill
- Caden – Son of Cadan
- Cai – Rejoice; warrior’s son
- Cedric – Generous
- Elis – God’s promise
- Gruffydd – Lord or prince
- Harri – Welsh version of Harry
- Idris – Ardent lord
- Jac – Jack with a Welsh twist
- Lewis – Lion-like
- Lloyd – Grey in Welsh
- Merlyn – Sea fortress
- Phylip – Philip
- Steffan – Crown
- Tomos – Thomas
- Tudur – Celtic name
- Vaughn – Small one
Common Welsh Baby Boy Names
These are Welsh common names for baby boys, that are equally generally used.
Name | Meaning |
---|---|
Adda | Welsh form of Adam “of the red earth” |
Aeron | From the River Aberaeron |
Alun | From the Celtic Alan meaning harmony, stone, or noble. |
Alwyn | Blessed, friend of elves |
Amathaon | Legendary son of Don |
Amhar | Legendary son of Arthur |
Amlawdd | Legendary son of Goieuddydd |
Amlodd | Grandfather of King Arthur |
Anarawd | Legendary father of Iddig |
Andreas | Welsh version of Andrew, strong; manly |
Andreas | Manly; brave. Variant of English “Andrew.” |
Anwas | Legendary father of Twrch |
Anynnawg | Legendary son of Menw |
Broderick | Descendant of Bruadar |
Caddell | Variant of Cadell “small battle; spirit of the battle” |
Cadwallon | Arranges the battle |
Cai | A diminutive of Cajus, frequently used as an independent name in Wales. |
Carey | Near the castle; from the castle |
Dafydd | A welsh form of the Hebrew name David, meaning “beloved or friend.” |
Dai | Shines, a Welsh diminutive of David, meaning “beloved or friend.” |
Dalldav | Legendary son of Cunyn cov. |
Dillus | Legendary son of Eurei |
Donne | Used in honour of 17th century poet John Donne. |
Dylan | Son of the sea and waves |
Dylan | Sea God, son of the waves |
Erbin | Legendary son of Custenhin |
Fferyll | Welsh form of Virgil “bears the staff” |
Garmoc | Dwells with the elder tree river |
Gavan | Hawk of the battle; white hawk, from the medieval name “Gawain.” |
Gwitart | Legendary son of Aedd |
Haydn | Fire, derived from the Celtic name “Aidan” |
Iob | Diminutive of Iorwerth “worthy lord,” derived from ior and gwerth, legendary son of Maredudd. |
Maddox | Son of Madoc, fortunate; Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s son |
Mervyn | A variation of Marvin “sea lover and friend” |
Osian | Derived from the Irish poet and warrior Oisin “little deer” |
Reece | “Enthusiasm, passion, ardor;” variation of Rhys |
Unique Welsh Male Names
These are quite strange, but very unique Welsh names for boys. There is no doubt that so many parents would like to ascribe them to their young man, considering their wonderful structures and meanings.
- Afan – Celtic Saint
- Aled – River in Denbighshire
- Avalon – Apple tree island
- Bowen – Son of Owen
- Celyn – Holy in Welsh
- Dafydd – Welsh name for David
- Darren – From Airelle
- Deron – Small but great
- Eryl – Short and sweet
- Iver – Fighter with bow
- Iverson – Son of Iver
- Martyn – Warrior of Mars
- Morgan – Protector of the seas
- Niclas – Victory of the people
- Ninian – Welsh saint
- Oswalt – Divine power
- Pembroke – High land area
- Prys – Son of Rhys
- Trenton – Trent’s town
- Trevyn – Fair town
- Wyn – Fair, holy
- Yale – From the slopes
Welsh Names for Girls
Now here are names given to female children, which we would recommend parents to give their beautiful baby girls.
The names are written with their meanings, so pick one that suits you and your lovely baby girl!
- Abertha – Sacrifice
- Adain – Winged
- Adara – Catches birds
- Addfwyn – Meek
- Addien – Beautiful
- Addiena – Beautiful
- Adyna – Wretched
- Aelwyd – From the heart
- Amser – Time
- Anghard – Loved greatly
- Anwen – Very beautiful
- Arglwyddes – Lady
- Argoel – Omen
- Argraff – Impression
- Arial – Vigorous
- Ariana – Silver
- Ariene – Silvery
- Berth – Beautiful
- Berthog – Wealthy
- Blodwen – White flower
- Braith – Freckled
- Brangwen – Dark and pure
- Branwyn – White-breasted
- Bregus – Frail
- Briallan – Promise
- Cadi – Pure
- Cadwyn – Chain
- Caethes – Slave
- Cafell – Oracle
- Caniad – Song
- Caradoc – Amiable
- Cath – Cat
- Ccri – Loved one
- Ceinwen – Beautiful gems
- Cordelia – Jewel of the sea
- Corsen – Reed
- Cragen – Shell
- Cymreiges – Welsh woman
- Daere – Fiend
- Dee – Dark
- Derwen – From oak tree
- Deryn – Bird
- Dicra – Slow
- Dierdre – Dark
- Difyr – Amusing
- Dilys – Genuine
- Drysi – Thorn
- Du – Dark
- Ebrill – Born in April
- Eiluned – Idol
- Eilwen – Fair brow
- Eira – Snow
- Eirian – Silver
- Elain – Fawn
- Elen – Welsh form of Helen
- Emlyn – Industrious
- Enid – Quiet woman, soul
- Enit – Woodlark
- Eres – Wonderful
- Eyslk – Fair
- Ffanci – Fancy
- Garan – Stork
- Glan – From the stone
- Glinys – Little valley
- Goleuddydd – Bright day
- Gorawen – Joy
- Gwanwyn – Spring
- Gwenhwyvar – White
- Isolda – Beautiful, fair
- Lilybet – God’s promise
- Lola – Valued by the Lord
- Maredud – Magnificent
Popular Welsh Baby Girl Names
I hope that by now can now see that Welsh names have beautiful meanings, mostly connected to nature. The most famous and favorite names for baby girls include the following.
Name | Meaning |
---|---|
Aberfa | From the mouth of the river |
Addien | Beautiful or charming girl |
Alaw | From the river Afon Alaw; musical and harmonic |
Aledwen | Feminine form of Aled “offspring” |
Alys | A form of the German “Alice,” meaning nobility. |
Angharad | Much loved. Used in “Mahinogion,” a collection of medieval Welsh folk tales. The name of a famous Welsh actress Angharad Rees. |
Anna | The name of one of king Arthur’s sisters |
Anwena | Inspiration of poetry; nice, right! |
Arianrhod | Legendary daughter of Don |
Arianwen | Innocence and purity |
Bethan | Welsh form of Elizabeth |
Bettrys | The Welsh form of the Latin “Beatrix, meaning “brings joy.” |
Blodeuwedd | Delicate, colorful and fragrant |
Blodwen | White flowers, beauty, pretty |
Branwen | Beautiful raven; a heroine of one of the tales of the Mabinogion. |
Buddug | Welsh form of Victoria “victory” |
Caryl | Variant of Carys “love” |
Cassadee | This name refers to a girl with curly hair, perfect for a curly-haired baby. |
Catrin | Welsh form of Katherine |
Creidwen | From “Cerdd” mesning poetry |
Dona | Goddess in Welsh mythology |
Dylan | Gender neutral name, meaning sea |
Ebrill | A person born in April |
Efa | Welsh from of Eve, meaning life. |
Eheubryd | Legendary daughter of kyvwich |
Eilir | Alluring and spontaneous |
Eilonwy | Gorgeous princess, sounds about right! |
Ffraid | Welsh form of Bridget “strong” |
Freda | Diminutive of Winifred “blessed reconciliation” |
Glenda | Derived from a compound of words meaning “holy” and “good.” Famous bearer: British actress Glena Jackson. |
Glenis | Variant of Glenda “Fair, good, holy” |
Goewin | Legendary daughter of Pebin |
Gorasgwrn | Legendary daughter of Nerth |
Gracie | God’s favor, beauty, kindness and mercy |
Guinevere | White, fair; white wave |
Gwaeddan | Legendary daughter of Kynvelyn |
Gwen | Diminutive of Gwendoline “fair, blessed, white browed, white circle.” |
Gwener | Welsh form Venus “goddess of love” |
Jennifer | White wave, white spirit, white cheeked |
Jestine | Just, upright; feminine of Justin |
Kelemon | Legendary daughter of Kei |
Lowri | Welsh form of Laura, meaning “laurel” |
Mabli | Welsh form of Mabel, meaning “lovable” |
Mari | Variant of Mary, meaning “bitter”; favored prefix for blended names like Maribel. |
Meirion | Derived from the old county of Merionethshire |
Merry | Diminutive of Meredith “magnificent, great lady” |
Modlen | Welsh form of Magdalene “tower” |
Rarest Welsh Baby Names for Girls
These are unique, but rare baby girl names in Welsh – they are very good names that parents love to give their baby girls.
- Abertha – Sacrifice
- Adain – Winged
- Adaryn – High-flying bird
- Aerona – Berry
- Aeronwen – Fair
- Alwena – A river
- Alys – Welsh version of Alice
- Aneira – Truly golden
- Angharad – Much loved
- Avalon – Island
- Beca – From the Rebcca riots
- Brenda – Classic and honorable
- Bryce – Alert and ambitious
- Caitrin – Pure and clear
- Cari – Friend
- Caron – Loving or kind-hearted
- Caryl – Love
- Carys – Beloved one
- Ceri – To love
- Daron – Oak
- Del – Pretty
- Deryn – Bird
- Efa – So cute
- Glynnis – Valley, glen
- Mari – Welsh version of Mary
- Meredith – Great ruler
- Morgan – Sea-born
- Taaagan – Beautiful
Most Beautiful Welsh Baby Names for Girls
I hope you found a very nice Welsh name that is befitting for your baby girl.
In case you did not find any Welsh name that suits your beautiful bundle, don’t worry! We also have more Welsh names for girls that will tickle your fancy.
Here are beautiful and precious names for baby girls in Welsh. Looking at the meaning and structure of these names, no parent would hesitate to pick one for their daughter.
- Aeres – Heires
- Amser – Time
- Arial – Vigorous
- Asgre – Soul
- Ceirios – Cherry
- Dyllis – Perfect and reliable
- Gisal – Pledge
- Gwanwyn – Spring
- Irvetta – White river
- Lynette – Lake
- Mali – Ruler and first born
- Rhedyn – Fern
- Trina – Pure, innocent, good
- Vanora – White wave
In Conclusion
As you can see from the above list, there are many beautiful and heroic names to pick from for your babies.
But if, after going through this truckload of names listed in this collection, you were not able to see a name that sits your baby be it male or female, then you can take things into your own hands.
If after that you didn’t manage to make a perfect name, you can go through the list again and this time slowly and carefully.
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