Welsh names are part of an enduring culture and language, and bestowing a Welsh name upon a person connects them to the Welsh community that values tradition, nature, and honor. Here you’ll find our lists of common Welsh male and female names, popular Welsh baby names, and meanings.
Welsh Names and Meanings
Welsh names are an essential part of the vibrant Welsh culture that has strived to preserve its history and language in the face of immense outside pressure. Welsh names have unique spellings that are pronounceable to non-native speakers with practice. These names have a distinct air of antiquity, pride, nonconformity, and connectedness to their heritage. The Welsh language is mysterious and conjures fantasy elements such as dragons, castles, and magical hills.
Welsh names are intrinsically unique as part of a language spoken by a small population. These names have been given to children by their parents since ancient times when Celtic people settled in the region now known as Wales. Less than a million people still speak Welsh today, but it is a highly regarded tongue, and natives have made significant efforts to teach it to future generations. By using a Welsh name, one helps to preserve and celebrate this language. Below we have curated comprehensive lists of Welsh names, including the common names and lists by theme.
Top 100 Welsh Names
We have gathered popular Welsh baby names in one convenient and comprehensive guide. This list of common Welsh names and their meanings showcases the finest that Wales has to offer.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Gwen – White, fair | Rhys – Enthusiasm, passion |
| Megan – Pearl | Dylan – Son of the sea |
| Anwen – Very beautiful | Owain – Youth, well-born |
| Nia – Purpose, radiance | Gareth – Gentle, polite |
| Carys – Love, affection | Morgan – Sea defender, bright sea |
| Rhian – Maiden, pure | Caradog – Dear one, beloved |
| Enid – Soul, life | Llewellyn – Lion-like, lion |
| Rhiannon – Great queen, divine queen | Emrys – Immortal, emperor |
| Siân – God is gracious | Evan – Young warrior, God is gracious |
| Ffion – Foxglove | Griffin – Strong lord, red-haired |
| Eira – Snow | Aled – Offspring of Aled |
| Seren – Star | Cai – Rejoice |
| Gwyneth – Blessed, white | Madoc – Fortunate, fortunate one |
| Mari – Bitter, rebellious | Macsen – Greatest, the greatest |
| Bronwen – White breast, fair breast | Padrig – Noble |
| Caryn – Pure love | Trystan – Tumult, outcry |
| Elain – Bright, shining | Bryn – Hill, mound |
| Gwenyth – Fortunate, blessed | Griff – Strong lord, red-haired |
| Iola – Violet-colored dawn | Dillan – Like a lion, faithful |
| Elinor – Bright, shining one | Iago – Supplanter, holder of the heel |
| Tegan – Beautiful, fair | Idris – Ardent lord, fiery leader |
| Arwen – Noble maiden, fair, blessed | Mael – Chief, prince |
| Catrin – Pure | Osian – Little deer, fawn |
| Reese – Sea circle, bright sea | Taliesin – Shining brow, radiant forehead |
| Brynn – Hill, mound | Wynn – White, fair |
| Gwendolyn – White ring, blessed ring | Owen – Young warrior |
| Meredith – Great lord, sea lord | Gael – Generous, hospitable |
| Winnie – Fair, blessed | Emyr – King, ruler |
| Erin – From ireland, peace | Bryson – Son of brice |
| Guinevere – White phantom, white ghost | Gavin – White hawk, battle hawk |
| Winifred – Blessed peace, fair peace | Maddox – Fortunate, benefactor’s son |
| Brenda – Prince, sword | Lloyd – Gray-haired, sacred |
| Cambria – Wales, welsh | Tristan – Noise, sorrowful |
| Bryn – Hill, mound | Caden – Battle, spirit of battle |
| Daenerys – Oak tree | Cadoc – Battle, spirit of battle |
| Sianna – God is gracious | Aidan – Fire, fiery |
| Cambrie – Wales, welsh | Lewis – Renowned warrior |
| Eryn – From ireland, peace | Ellis – Benevolent, kind |
| Cambree – Wales, Welsh | Bowen – Son of Owen |
| Iona – Blessed, island | Alan – Handsome, harmony |
| Gladys – Princess, country | Kendrick – Greatest champion |
| Rhys – Enthusiasm, passion | Trevor – Big village, homestead |
| Siana – God is gracious | Arian – Silver, wealthy |
| Winnifred – Blessed peace, fair peace | Drew – Manly, courageous |
| Evanna – God is gracious, peaceful | Reece – Enthusiasm, fiery |
| Bronwyn – White breast, fair breast | Marvin – Sea friend, lover of the sea |
| Cari – Love, affection | Flynn – Son of the red-haired one, ruddy |
| Arwyn – White, blessed | Reese – Enthusiasm, fiery |
| Rowena – Famous friend, white-haired | Aron – Mountain of strength, exalted |
| Brynna – Hill, mound | Darren – Great, oak tree |
| Gwenevere – White phantom, white ghost | Jones – God is gracious |
| Wynne – Fair, blessed | Vaughn – Small, little |
| Brynne – Hill, mound | Glenn – Valley, narrow valley |
| Glenda – Holy, pure | Cecil – Blind, dim-sighted |
| Gwendolynn – White ring, blessed ring | Floyd – Gray, pale |
| Morgana – Sea circle, bright sea | Broderick – Famous ruler, powerful ruler |
| Gweneth – Fortunate, blessed | Merlin – Sea fortress, from the sea |
| Siani – God is gracious | Conway – Holy river, from the holy river |
| Caris – Love, grace | Price – Prize, son of Rhys |
| Emlyn – Valley of the rushing water, peaceful | Kendric – Greatest champion |
| Gwendalyn – White ring, blessed ring | Pryce – Son of Rhys |
| Nimue – Lady of the lake, purity | Evans – Son of Evan |
| Megha – Pearl | Jareth – He shines, he holds to a high position |
| Jennica – God beholds, gift of God | Mervin – Sea lover, lover of the sea |
| Kenda – Clear water, manx | Gavyn – White hawk, battle hawk |
| Wynnie – Fair, blessed | Evaan – Young warrior, God is gracious |
| Gladis – Princess, country | Jevon – Young warrior, God is gracious |
| Enedina – Soul, life | Dewey – Beloved, friend |
| Keri – Love, grace | Edan – Fire, fiery |
| Rianne – Small river, grace | Sion – God is gracious |
| Rhianna – Great queen, divine queen | Caio – Rejoice, be glad |
| Dyllan – Son of the sea | Rhydian – From the ford, ford protector |
| Gwynn – White, blessed | Alwyn – White, blessed |
| Gwendolen – White ring, blessed ring | Cary – Love, affection |
| Merlyn – Sea fortress, from the sea | Maxen – Greatest, the greatest |
| Rhonda – Noisy, rough | Dyllan – Son of the sea |
| Gwendoline – White ring, blessed ring | Griffith – Strong lord, red-haired |
| Gwenneth – Fortunate, blessed | Brees – Beauty, fairness |
| Jennika – God beholds, gift of God | Hari – Ruler, home ruler |
| Manon – Bitter, rebellious | Elis – The lord is my God |
| Aneira – Golden, noble | Dylon – Son of the sea |
| Elwyn – White, blessed | Jestin – Just, fair |
| Gwyndolyn – White ring, blessed ring | Elwyn – White, blessed |
| Gwynne – White, fair | Caron – Loving, kind |
| Morgen – Sea-born, sea circle | Edwyn – Rich friend, prosperous friend |
| Rees – Enthusiasm, passion | Gaven – White hawk, battle hawk |
| Treva – Homestead, dwelling place | Evyn – Young warrior, God is gracious |
| Elen – Bright, shining | Vaughan – Small, little |
| Gwyn – White, fair | Wyn – White, fair |
| Karys – Love, grace | Garth – Garden, enclosure |
| Vala – Chosen, select | Trevyn – Big village, homestead |
| Sara – Princess | Auryn – Golden, golden-haired |
| Deryn – Bird | Davyn – Beloved, friend |
| Jestina – Just, fair | Kimball – War leader, brave leader |
| Megyn – Pearl | Powell – Son of howell, son of the prominent one |
| Merideth – Great lord, sea lord | Howell – Eminent, prominent |
| Cadi – Pure, clear | Rees – Enthusiasm, passion |
| Eilir – Butterfly | Armel – Bear prince, bear chief |
| Neryn – The Lord | Carwyn – Blessed love, fair love |
| Cerin – Love | Llewelyn – Lion-like, lion |
Unique Welsh Names
This list of unique Welsh names comprises the rarest and most intriguing names in all of Wales. They encapsulate the beauty and strength of Welsh culture with their melodious sounds and rich historical significance.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aderyn – Bird | Afan – River |
| Aeron – Berry, fruit | Arwyn – Fair, white |
| Bethan – God is my oath | Brysin – Son of brys |
| Branwen – Fair raven, blessed raven | Cadell – Battle, spirit of battle |
| Brynnan – Hill, mound | Cayo – Rejoice, be glad |
| Caron – Loving, kind | Colwyn – Little cub, young fox |
| Cristyn – Follower of Christ | Daryn – Great, oak tree |
| Dylan – Son of the sea, great tide | Evann – Young warrior, God is gracious |
| Ellis – Benevolent, kind | Gavan – White hawk, battle hawk |
| Eres – Snow | Harri – Ruler, home ruler |
| Glenys – Holy, pure | Ioan – God is gracious |
| Gwenda – White, fair | Iori – Lord |
| Kendrick – Greatest champion | Jeaven – Young warrior, God is gracious |
| Keris – Love, grace | Jonis – Dove |
| Kerris – Love, grace | Kendri – Greatest champion |
| Lakendra – The dear one, the clear water | Kendryck – Greatest champion |
| Morgaine – Sea circle, bright sea | Keni – Handsome, fair |
| Morgane – Sea circle, bright sea | Lewys – Renowned warrior |
| Morganne – Sea circle, bright sea | Loyd – Gray-haired, sacred |
| Olwyn – White footprint, white track | Lugh – Light, brightness |
| Penrose – Headland, promontory | Merlyn – Sea fortress, from the sea |
| Rhianon – Great Queen, divine Queen | Morgen – Sea-born, sea circle |
| Silke – Blind, dim-sighted | Rhian – Maiden, pure |
| Vanora – White wave, white phantom | Rhysand – Enthusiasm, passion |
| Wendolyn – White ring, blessed ring | Yale – Fertile upland, heights |
Cute Welsh Names
We’ve packed this list of cute Welsh names with the most adorable boy and girl names. These irresistibly cute Welsh names have unique and endearing qualities that add magic to a baby name.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Anwyn – Very fair, very blessed | Adain – Attractive, handsome |
| Blodwen – White flower | Adeon – Winged, bird-like |
| Brecken – Freckled, speckled | Aland – Rock, noble |
| Bronwynn – White breast, fair breast | Allyn – Handsome, harmony |
| Cary – Love, affection | Bevan – Son of evan |
| Cati – Pure, clear | Ceron – Cherry, dear one |
| Ceri – To love, to cherish | Dai – Beloved, friend |
| Ceridwen – Fair poetry, white enchantress | Davies – Son of david |
| Cerys – Love, beloved | Derwyn – Gifted friend, handsome friend |
| Dai – Beloved, friend | Deryn – Bird |
| Dee – Divine, goddess | Garreth – Gentle, polite |
| Dylane – Son of the sea, great tide | Gawain – White hawk, battle hawk |
| Eirian – Bright, beautiful | Glynn – Valley, narrow valley |
| Glenis – Holy, pure | Gwilym – Resolute protector |
| Glynis – Holy, pure | Ianto – God is gracious |
| Glynnis – Holy, pure | Ieuan – God is gracious |
| Guenevere – White phantom, white ghost | Kai – Keeper of the keys, earth |
| Gwenith – Wheat, white | Lew – Renowned warrior |
| Gwennan – Blessed, white | Marvyn – Sea friend, lover of the sea |
| Gwynneth – Fortunate, blessed | Marwin – Sea friend, lover of the sea |
| Madlen – Of magdala, tower | Niclas – Victory of the people |
| Meredyth – Great lord, sea lord | Nye – God is gracious |
| Meridith – Great lord, sea lord | Pawl – Small, humble |
| Nerys – Lady, noblewoman | Rodric – Famous ruler, famous king |
| Olwen – White footprint, white track | Romney – From the river island |
| Rhedyn – Fern | Selwyn – Fair, blessed |
| Rhoslyn – Rose lake | Urian – Privileged, privileged birth |
| Win – White, fair | Win – White, fair |
Cool Welsh Names
Our list of cool Welsh names proves that these are not just for history enthusiasts. These incredibly cool Welsh names exude a sense of mystique and strength, making them perfect choices for those seeking a captivating Welsh name.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Beca – To tie, to bind | Aeron – Battle, slaughter |
| Bevin – Sweet woman, charming lady | Brecken – Freckled, speckled |
| Blodwyn – White flower | Cadel – Battle, spirit of battle |
| Bronnie – Fair breast, white breast | Crichton – From the town on the boundary |
| Cerridwen – Fair poetry, white enchantress | Delwyn – Pretty, blessed |
| Deren – Bird | Derec – Ruler of the people |
| Deron – Bird | Dewi – Beloved |
| Gayna – White, fair | Drystan – Noise, sorrowful |
| Glenice – Valley of joy | Dyllon – Son of the sea |
| Glynda – Holy, pure | Glyn – Valley, narrow valley |
| Gwendolene – White ring, blessed ring | Huw – Mind, intellect |
| Gwenetta – White, fair | Iestyn – Just, fair |
| Jesstina – Just, fair | Iwan – God is gracious |
| Jonis – God is gracious | Jeston – Just, fair |
| Kendrya – Chief hero, leader of warriors | Kendricks – Greatest champion |
| Lonette – Lark | Kenn – Bright, clear |
| Meghanne – Pearl | Kynan – Chief, leader |
| Neris – Lady, noblewoman | Mervyn – Sea lover, lover of the sea |
| Nesta – Pure, sacred | Mostyn – Moss town, town near moss |
| Rianon – Great Queen, divine queen | Nesta – Pure, sacred |
| Rondelle – Round, circular | Rhion – Maiden, pure |
| Secelia – Blind, dim-sighted | Rhodri – Ruler’s wheel, ruler’s circle |
| Tristana – Sorrowful, sad | Tarian – Shield, protection |
| Wendee – Fair, blessed | Tirian – From the land, from the country |
| Winafred – Friend of peace, blessed peacemaking | Tirion – Gentle, pleasant |
| Wynna – Fair, blessed | Trevis – Homestead, dwelling place |
Old Welsh Names
Old Welsh names reflect the Welsh language’s poetic nature. These names connect to the country’s ancient heritage and continue to be celebrated and cherished by rural Welsh communities.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aelwen – Fair brow | Alwin – Friend of elves, noble friend |
| Alaw – Melody | Aneirin – Gold, honour |
| Alawen – White brow | Arwel – Noble promise |
| Alwen – White brow | Bedwyr – Warrior |
| Angharad – Much loved | Bleddyn – Wolf hero |
| Arianwen – White, blessed silver | Cadfael – Battle prince |
| Celyn – Holly | Celyn – Holly |
| Ceris – Cherries | Ceri – Love |
| Dafina – Laurel, victory | Cynan – Chief |
| Dilys – Genuine, steadfast | Dafydd – Beloved, friend |
| Eilonwy – Deer | Dilwyn – Fair and blessed |
| Eirlys – Snowdrop | Efan – God is gracious |
| Eirwen – White snow | Eifion – Shining, bright |
| Eirys – Iris | Eilir – Butterfly |
| Elan – Sparkling, bright | Einion – Anvil |
| Eleri – Bitterness, sorrow | Elgan – Bright circle |
| Ffionwen – Blessed foxglove | Emyrion – Welsh word for emperor |
| Glesni – Green, blue sky | Eryl – Wandering |
| Gwawr – Dawn | Eurig – Gold |
| Gwendolynne – White ring, blessed ring | Geraint – Old, victorious |
| Gwenllian – White, blessed ring | Gethin – Dark-skinned, swarthy |
| Gwenn – White, fair | Gruff – Strong lord |
| Gwenno – White, blessed | Gruffydd – Strong lord |
| Heledd – Pool of salt | Gwyn – White, fair |
| Heulwen – Sunshine | Hywel – Eminent, eminent leader |
| Ifanwy – Much loved | Idwal – Lord of the wall |
| Llinos – Welsh word for linnet, a type of bird | Ifan – God is gracious |
| Lowri – Laurel | Ifor – Lord |
| Luned – Idol, image, shape | Iolo – Handsome lord |
| Mabli – Lovable | Llyr – Sea |
| Mair – Bitter, beloved | Llywarch – Ruler of the host |
| Mared – Pearl | Llywelyn – Leader, lion-like |
| Meinir – Delicate, gentle | Mabon – Son |
| Meradith – Great lord, sea lord | Maelgwn – Princely hound |
| Meri – Bitter, beloved | Meurig – Great ruler |
| Morwen – Sea maiden | Myrddin – Sea fortress |
| Morwenna – Waves of the sea, maiden | Peredur – Hard spear |
| Myfanwy – Beloved | Prys – Son of rhys |
| Nest – Pure, holy | Rhidian – Red |
| Rhianwen – Blessed maiden | Rhun – Great, mighty |
| Rhona – Rough island, wise ruler | Rhydderch – Ruler, exalted |
| Rhonwen – White lance | Siôn – God is gracious |
| Rhosyn – Rose | Tegid – Beautiful and fair |
| Sioned – God is gracious | Tomos – Twin |
| Tegwen – Fair and blessed | Urien – Lord, privileged birth |
More Lists:
Names of Famous Welsh Men and Women
Sian Adey-Jones is a model who earned several awards for her natural beauty and talents. She was born in Wales in 1957 and, in 1976, was second runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant. Sian is a Welsh form of the Hebrew name Yəhôḥānān, meaning ‘God is merciful.’
Glyn Daniel was born in Wales in 1914 and spent his life studying archeology, particularly from the European Neolithic period, also known as the Stone Age. He was a writer who helped make archeology more accessible to people through TV and radio programs. Glyn means ‘valley’ in Welsh.
Owain Glyndŵr was a leader during the Welsh War of Independence during the early 1400s. He was born in Wales around 1354, and in 1400 he claimed the title of Prince of Wales, using this title to launch the war that would make him a folk hero. Owain in Welsh names means ‘youth.’
Gareth Bale, born in Wales in 1989, is a renowned soccer player who plays for Los Angeles FC and Wales’ national team. He has earned significant awards and recognition through his work and was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice. Gareth is a Welsh name that means ‘gentleness.’
Roald Dahl was a writer who is best known for his children’s novels. He was born in Wales in 1916 and served in the Air Force during World War II. Scriptwriters and directors have featured his works in movies and plays, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda. Roald comes from an Old Norse name meaning ‘fame’ and ‘leader.’
References
Information from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which publishes information on the most popular baby names using birth registration data in Wales was used in the collection of this data. Wales has laws restricting baby names that contain obscenities, numerals, misleading titles, or are impossible to pronounce. More information on permissible names in Wales can be found on the Law and Religion UK website. The Welsh Government also publishes a list of popular Welsh names for girls and boys.
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