Unique Welsh Names for Any Baby

In a previous article I addressed the concept of giving your newborn a name that has connections to your heritage. I discussed Unique French and Irish Names For Baby. In this article I am going to present some Welsh names that will provide your child with a sense of their heritage.

According to research the majority of the Welsh population go by only about 100 surnames, which include Bennett, Ellis, Jones, Lewis, Thomas, and Williams. Welsh also uses a patronymic system using surnames derived from the first name of a father or a paternal ancestor. Any of these surnames may be used as a given name.

Below are some female Welsh names that are not only beautiful, but lyrical sounding as well. They call to mind an ancient time when women dressed in finery, lived in castles, and knew that chivalry was alive and well.

Arian- meaning "silver"

Bethan- meaning "devoted to God"

Briallen- meaning "a primrose"

Bryn- meaning "a hill"

Carys- meaning "the beloved one"

Catrin- meaning "pure"

Crisiant- meaning "like a crystal"

Gwendolyn- meaning "a white ring or bow"

Gwynneth- meaning "white, fair, happiness, blessed"

Isolde- meaning "the fair one"

Keyna- meaning "a jewel"

Margred- meaning "pearl"

Morgann- meaning "bright sea"

Sian- meaning "God is gracious"

Tegan- meaning "of doe-like beauty"

Wynne- meaning "fair or blessed"

Many male Welsh names are derived from surnames, which has become a popular naming trend here in the United States in recent years. Just the sound of them brings to mind strength and history.

Berwyn- meaning "fair haired"

Bevan- meaning "son of Evan, young warrior"

Bowen- meaning "son of Owen"

Brody- meaning "son of Roderick, a renowned ruler"

Conway- meaning "holy"

Dai- meaning "the beloved, the adored one"

Evan- meaning "young warrior"

Gareth- meaning "gentle"

Griffen- meaning "fighting chief, fierce"

Griffith- meaning "a powerful lord"

Haydn- meaning "fire"

Howell- meaning "the eminent one"

Jestin- meaning "just, upright"

Kenwyn- a saint's name

Kimble- meaning "warrior chief"

Maddoc- meaning "champion, good fortune, beneficent"

Owen- meaning "well born"

Pryce- meaning "the son of the loving man"

Rhys- pronounced "Reese" meaning "ardent one"

Steffan- meaning "a crown or garland"

Wynn- meaning "the fair or blessed one"

Welsh names are often derived from history, legends, place names and the names of royalty and saints. Giving your child a name imbued with such meaning will surely give them a sense of the place from which their ancestors came.