Math
MATH
Math is an ancient Welsh name meaning treasure or wealth. In the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, one of the foundational texts of Welsh mythology, Math fab Mathonwy is the powerful King of Gwynedd and a master magician. He is a figure of wisdom, justice and magical authority. The name is both concise and deeply rooted in Welsh literary heritage, carrying the prestige of one of the oldest named characters in Welsh tradition.
At a glance
A single-syllable Welsh name of extraordinary mythological depth, Math was the great magician-king of Gwynedd in the Mabinogi. Short, strong and rarely used, it is a remarkable choice for families with Welsh roots.
Etymology & History
Math is a Welsh name derived from the Brittonic root meaning treasure or wealth, cognate with similar words in other Celtic languages. It belongs to a group of ancient Welsh personal names that appear in the Mabinogi, a collection of medieval Welsh tales compiled in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries but drawing on much older oral traditions. The name Math shares a root with words for wealth found in Breton, Cornish and Old Irish, reflecting the common Celtic heritage of these languages.
Cultural Significance
Math fab Mathonwy is one of the most vivid figures in Welsh mythology. He appears in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, where he rules Gwynedd with great magical power. He can only live in peace if his feet rest in the lap of a virgin, except in time of war. His story involves his nephews Gilfaethwy and Gwydion, acts of transformation magic, and the creation of the flower maiden Blodeuwedd. Math is a figure of justice and magical mastery, and his name carries all the gravity of this rich literary and cultural inheritance. It is one of the oldest personal names still found in Welsh tradition.
Famous people named Math
Math fab Mathonwy
Mythological king of Gwynedd and powerful magician from the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Math
Emrys
“Immortal”
Emrys means 'immortal,' the Welsh form of the Latin name Ambrosius. It carries associations with timelessness, wisdom, and the legendary figure of Merlin in Arthurian mythology.
Macsen
“Greatest”
Macsen is the Welsh form of the Latin name Maximus, meaning greatest. It entered Welsh tradition through the historical figure Magnus Maximus, a Roman emperor who features prominently in the Mabinogion as Macsen Wledig. The name carries a sense of noble grandeur tempered by the lyrical quality of the Welsh language.
Madoc
“Fortunate, goodly”
Madoc derives from the Welsh word 'mad' meaning good or fortunate, making it a name that bestows a blessing of good fortune upon its bearer. It is most famously associated with the legendary Prince Madoc, said to have sailed to the New World centuries before Columbus.
Mael
“Chief, prince”
Mael is a Breton name derived from the Old Celtic 'maglo', meaning chief or prince. It has deep roots in the ancient Celtic world of Brittany and Wales, where it was borne by saints and rulers alike. In recent years it has surged considerably in popularity across France, becoming one of the most fashionable Breton names for boys.
Owain
“Well-born, noble”
Owain is an ancient Welsh name believed to mean 'well-born' or 'noble,' possibly derived from the Latin name Eugenius through a Brittonic intermediary. It carries deep associations with Welsh royalty, legend, and the Arthurian tradition, making it one of the most storied names in the Celtic world.
Where you'll find Math
Math shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.