Welsh Baby Names
Explore 290 welsh names, each with its own meaning, history, and pronunciation. Find one that carries the stories you want your child to grow up with.
Welsh names are among the most phonetically consistent in Europe. Once the alphabet is learned, almost every Welsh name reads exactly as it is spelt. The Welsh naming tradition draws on bardic poetry, Christian saints, and an unbroken Celtic lineage.
A short history
Welsh naming traces to the Brythonic roots of the language and developed through centuries of bardic literature (the Mabinogion, the Welsh Triads) and a dense tradition of saints. The 20th century saw a Welsh-language revival that brought names like Rhys, Bethan, and Cerys back into international use.
Naming traditions
Welsh surnames historically were patronymic: Dafydd ap Rhys meant 'Dafydd, son of Rhys', which eventually became Prys and Price. This is why many Welsh surnames are first-name-like (Jones, Davis, Evans). The convention was formalised under Tudor pressure to adopt fixed surnames, but the patronymic logic still shows in the language.
Sound and style
Welsh has a handful of double-letter consonants that work as single sounds: ll (voiceless l), ff (f), dd (voiced th), rh (aspirated r), ch (throaty ch). Once these five are in your ear, Welsh names become as easy to read as Italian.
Frequently asked
Is Welsh hard to pronounce?
Welsh is actually one of the most consistent languages in Europe once you know the alphabet. The double letters 'll', 'dd', 'ff', and 'rh' each have a single fixed sound. There are no silent letters.
Creiddylad
“Jewel of the sea”
Creiddylad is an ancient Welsh name found in the earliest Arthurian and mythological literature of Britain. The name is most commonly interpreted as meaning jewel of the sea, from elements related to the Welsh credd or crair, meaning jewel or precious object, and possibly dylad or related sea-words. Creiddylad appears in the Welsh Triads as the most beautiful maiden in the Island of Britain, and in the tale of Culhwch and Olwen she is fought over eternally by two rival princes at the command of King Arthur. The name has a dramatic, legendary quality unlike anything else in the naming tradition.
Creirwy
“Jewel-egg; precious and radiant”
Creirwy is a compound Welsh name from 'creir', meaning relic, treasure, or jewel, and 'wy', meaning egg, creating the poetic image of a precious jewel-like egg, a name suggesting something rare, beautiful, and full of latent life. In Welsh mythology, Creirwy was the daughter of Ceridwen and celebrated as one of the three most beautiful women in the island of Britain.
Crisiant
“Crystal”
Crisiant is a Welsh name derived from the word for crystal, conjuring images of clarity, brilliance, and natural beauty. It sits within a tradition of Welsh names drawn from the natural world and precious materials. The name has a sparkling, lyrical quality that reflects the poetic sensibility of Welsh naming culture. Though rare even in Wales, it possesses an elegant simplicity that has attracted renewed interest among parents seeking authentic Celtic names with a distinctive sound.
Culhwch
“Slim pig, or narrow enclosure”
Culhwch is one of the oldest recorded personal names in Welsh literature, most famously borne by the hero of the tale 'Culhwch ac Olwen', considered one of the earliest Arthurian stories. The name's literal meaning relates to a narrow pig-sty or a lean pig, a somewhat humble origin that belies the grandeur of the legendary hero who bears it. In the context of the tale, the name connects to a prophecy at birth, making it a name heavy with destiny and mythological significance.
Cynddylan
“Chief champion”
Cynddylan is derived from the Welsh elements 'cyn' meaning chief or head, combined with a second element relating to a retinue or fort. The name belongs to Cynddylan ap Cyndrwyn, a 7th-century prince of the Powys kingdom, whose death and the destruction of his great hall at Pengwern are mourned in one of the earliest and most haunting poems in the Welsh language, known as 'Canu Heledd'. It is a name that carries the weight of early medieval Welsh history.
Cynfael
“Chief prince”
Cynfael is a compound Welsh name formed from two ancient elements: 'cyn', meaning chief or foremost, and 'mael', meaning prince or lord. Together they form a name that conveys the highest level of leadership and nobility within the Welsh heroic tradition. It is a name that would have been found among the princes and warriors of early medieval Wales, when such compound names were the standard means of expressing a child's hoped-for destiny. Cynfael is extremely rare today, even in Wales, making it one of the more adventurous choices available to parents who wish to honour Welsh heritage with an authentically ancient name. Its pronunciation may require explanation outside Wales, but for those committed to it, the name has a commanding, singular presence.
Cynfor
“Great chief”
Cynfor is an ancient Welsh name composed of 'cyn' (chief or head) and 'mawr' (great or large), meaning great chief or supreme leader. It belongs to the tradition of Welsh names that invoke leadership and stature, reflecting a society in which chieftainship was the highest civic ideal. The name appears in early Welsh records and genealogies, marking it as a genuinely ancient piece of Welsh naming heritage.
Cynfran
“Chief raven”
Cynfran is formed from the Welsh elements cyn meaning chief or foremost and bran meaning raven or crow. The raven was a powerful symbol in Celtic mythology, associated with wisdom, prophecy, battle, and the otherworld. The name carries a sense of dark nobility and sharp intelligence, evoking a leader as wise and observant as the raven itself.
Cynwal
“Chief protector”
Cynwal is composed of two Old Welsh elements: cyn or cun, meaning chief, leader, or high, and gwal or wal, meaning protector, wall, or rampart. Together they create a name meaning chief protector or leader of defence, placing its bearer in the heroic tradition of early Welsh poetry and the gwyr y gogledd, the men of the North who defended post-Roman Britain. The name belongs to the stratum of early Welsh names that celebrate leadership and martial virtue.
Cynwrig
“Chief hero”
Cynwrig is a distinguished Welsh name combining 'cyn', a prefix suggesting a chief or pre-eminent figure, with 'rig', a form of the element meaning king or lord. The result is a name that translates broadly as 'chief hero' or 'foremost warrior-lord', reflecting the values of early Welsh nobility in which leadership and martial distinction were intertwined virtues. It is a name of considerable gravity and historical authenticity.
Dafydd
“Beloved”
Dafydd is the Welsh form of David, one of the most significant names in Welsh culture. It carries the meaning 'beloved', derived from the Hebrew name Dawid. The name is inseparable from the patron saint of Wales and from the great medieval poets who helped shape Welsh literary identity. With its distinctive Welsh spelling and pronunciation, Dafydd is a name that proudly announces its cultural heritage.
Daron
“Oak”
Daron is believed to derive from the Welsh element 'dar', meaning oak tree. In Celtic cultures the oak was one of the most sacred trees, associated with strength, longevity, wisdom, and divine power. Daron also appears in Welsh mythology as the name of a minor goddess associated with rivers and the natural world, adding a layer of mythological resonance. The name is simple, grounded, and deeply connected to the natural landscape of Wales, making it an appealing choice for parents drawn to Celtic heritage and nature-inspired names.
Deian
“Divine”
Deian is a Welsh given name understood to carry the sense of the divine, possibly derived from the Welsh word 'duw' meaning God, or functioning as a Welsh form of the name Dean with an elevated spiritual nuance. It has gained steady use in modern Wales, appreciated for its short, punchy sound and its distinctly Welsh character. The name feels both ancient in its roots and fresh in its contemporary usage, making it an appealing choice for parents who want something rooted in Welsh culture without being overly archaic.
Deiniol
“Attractive, charming”
Deiniol is the Welsh form of the name Daniel, but its phonetic transformation within the Welsh language gives it a distinctly Celtic quality that sets it apart from its Hebrew source. In its Welsh context, the name carries associations of grace and charm, reflecting the character of Saint Deiniol, whose spiritual and intellectual gifts made him one of the most revered figures in early Welsh Christianity. It is a name that bridges Celtic and biblical tradition in a uniquely Welsh way.
Delun
“Pretty, neat”
Delun is a Welsh feminine name derived from the adjective 'del', meaning pretty, neat, or sweet, combined with the diminutive or affectionate suffix '-un'. In Welsh, 'del' is a common term of endearment used to describe something or someone who is charming, tidy, or delightfully attractive in an understated way. The name is rare even within Wales but embodies the Welsh tradition of gentle, affectionate naming.
Derfel
“Steadfast prince”
Derfel is a Welsh name composed of the elements 'der', meaning steadfast or true, and 'fel', related to the concept of a prince or ruler. Together the name conveys an image of a loyal and resolute leader. It is intimately connected with Saint Derfel Gadarn, a 6th-century Welsh warrior who became a monk and later a saint, his legend intertwining martial honour with Christian devotion. The name is rare even in Wales today, making it an exceptional choice for parents who value historical depth.
Derwen
“Oak tree”
Derwen is the Welsh word for oak tree, one of the most revered trees in Celtic culture and druidic tradition. The oak was sacred to the ancient Celts, who believed it to be a gateway between worlds and a symbol of enduring strength, wisdom and longevity. As a personal name, Derwen carries all of these associations, suggesting a person of deep roots, quiet strength and natural authority rooted in the landscape of Wales.
Derwena
“From the oak tree”
Derwena is a feminine Welsh name derived from 'derwen', the Welsh word for oak tree. The oak held profound sacred significance in Celtic and druidic tradition, representing strength, endurance, wisdom, and the natural world. The name evokes the ancient forests and rugged landscapes of Wales, as well as the spiritual importance of trees in the Celtic worldview. It is a rare and distinctly Welsh name with deep roots in the mythology and geography of the region.
Dewi
“Beloved, David”
Dewi is the Welsh form of David, meaning beloved. It is most famously associated with Dewi Sant (Saint David), the patron saint of Wales, whose feast day on the first of March is celebrated as the Welsh national day. The name carries deep patriotic significance and connects the bearer to the very heart of Welsh identity.
Dilys
“Genuine, sincere”
Dilys comes from the Welsh word meaning genuine, true, or sincere, and it was coined as a given name in Wales during the 19th century. It carries a quiet but powerful moral quality, suggesting a person of authentic character and honest nature. The name is distinctly Welsh and remains a proud emblem of that linguistic and cultural tradition.
Doged
“Courageous”
Doged is an early Welsh name, possibly meaning courageous or bold. It is chiefly known through Saint Doged, an obscure early Christian saint venerated in north Wales, whose memory is preserved in the place name Llandoged in Conwy. Like many early Welsh saints' names, Doged has a rugged, ancient quality that connects directly to the pre-Norman Celtic Christian tradition of Britain.
Drudwen
“Wren”
Drudwen is a rare and beautiful Welsh name derived from the Welsh word for wren, the small bird that held a place of remarkable importance in Celtic mythology. The wren was considered the king of birds in Irish and Welsh lore, despite its diminutive size, its cunning having won it the title over the eagle in a famous contest. Naming a child Drudwen therefore carries a rich Celtic symbolism of intelligence over brute strength, and the sacred power of small things.
Dwynwen
“White wave of joy”
Dwynwen is one of the most romantically significant names in the Welsh tradition, borne by the patron saint of Welsh lovers whose feast day falls on 25 January, often called the Welsh Saint Valentine's Day. The name is thought to derive from Welsh elements suggesting a white wave of joy or a wave of pure happiness, combining the ideas of brightness, purity, and emotional delight. Saint Dwynwen was a fifth-century princess said to have experienced a tragic love story, and her shrine on the island of Llanddwyn off Anglesey remains a place of pilgrimage and romance to this day.
Dyfrig
“Fruitful one, or waters of fertility”
Dyfrig is an ancient Welsh name derived from elements relating to water and fruitfulness, suggesting abundance, growth, and the life-giving power of rivers and rain. In early Welsh tradition it was the name of one of the most senior figures in the Celtic Christian church, a man of immense spiritual authority who was said to have officiated at King Arthur's coronation. The name carries a quiet depth, earthy and elemental, connected to the fertile landscape of Wales.
Edern
“Great lord”
Edern is an ancient Welsh name derived from the Brittonic element meaning great or supreme, combined with a root meaning lord or king. Edern ap Nudd was a figure of Arthurian legend, listed among the knights associated with King Arthur's court. The name also gave its name to the village of Edern in the Llŷn Peninsula of north Wales, showing how deeply embedded it is in Welsh cultural geography. It is an exceptionally rare name with genuine Arthurian and Celtic pedigree.
Ednyved
“Reborn ruler, restored one”
Ednyved is an ancient Welsh name derived from elements meaning restored, reborn, or returned to honour. The name is historically associated with Ednyfed Fychan, the powerful seneschal of Gwynedd under Llywelyn the Great in the thirteenth century. He was one of the most influential figures in medieval Welsh politics, and his descendants, the Tudors, eventually claimed the English throne. The name carries the weight of Welsh political history and the sense of a lineage destined for greatness.
Efa
“Life”
Efa is the Welsh form of Eve, derived from the Hebrew Chavah meaning life or living. As the Welsh adaptation of one of the most ancient and significant names in the Abrahamic tradition, Efa carries enormous depth within a small, elegant package. It has grown considerably in popularity in recent years as a distinctive alternative to Eva and Eve, appreciated for its authentic Welsh character and its simple, beautiful sound.
Eifion
“From Eifionydd”
Eifion is a distinctly Welsh name taken from Eifionydd, a historic region in Gwynedd in north-west Wales. The place name Eifionydd may derive from a personal name of Romano-British or early Welsh origin, possibly related to a Latin source, though its exact etymology is debated among scholars. The region has been celebrated in Welsh poetry and culture for centuries. As a given name, Eifion is an expression of deep Welsh cultural and regional identity, used almost exclusively within Wales. It carries the rugged beauty of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula in its sound.
Eigra
“Beautiful, bright”
Eigra is a rare Welsh feminine name thought to mean beautiful or bright, sharing linguistic roots with other Welsh words evoking radiance and loveliness. It is closely linked to the Welsh literary and cultural tradition, carried most notably by the celebrated novelist Eigra Lewis Roberts. The name has a distinctly Welsh character, being almost exclusively found within Wales and Welsh diaspora communities. Its brevity and euphonic sound give it a quiet elegance, and it remains a genuine rarity that lovers of Welsh culture and heritage find deeply appealing. Choosing Eigra is an act of cultural pride as much as a naming decision.
Eilian
“Moment, second”
Eilian comes from the Welsh word 'eiliad', meaning a moment or a second of time. The name has a fleeting, poetic quality, suggesting something precious precisely because it is brief. In Wales, it is also the name of a bay on the north coast of Anglesey, Traeth yr Eilian, which adds a specific geographical resonance to this rare and beautiful name. Choosing Eilian is to give a child a name that speaks of the preciousness of each passing moment.
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