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.
Prys
“Prize, value”
Prys is a Welsh name meaning prize or value, possibly also an abbreviated form of ap Rhys, meaning son of Rhys. It is concise and strong, carrying the weight of Welsh literary and historical tradition. The name has a crisp, distinctive sound that feels both ancient and modern.
Rhiain
“Maiden”
Rhiain is a variant of Rhian, the Welsh word for maiden or girl, carrying the same pure, feminine meaning but with a slightly different spelling found in certain Welsh dialects. The additional vowel gives the name a more flowing, elongated quality compared to the closely related Rhian. It is a genuinely lovely Welsh name with a soft, lyrical sound and a meaning that is simple yet elegant. Rhiain is closely related to the better-known Rhiannon but has its own independent identity as a graceful, understated choice.
Rhian
“Maiden, pure”
Rhian comes from the Welsh word rhiain meaning maiden, carrying associations of purity, youth, and grace. The aspirated Rh at the start is one of the most distinctive sounds in the Welsh language, giving the name an immediately Celtic character. It is one of the most enduringly popular Welsh girls' names, worn with quiet elegance across centuries.
Rhianedd
“Maidens or queens”
Rhianedd is the plural form of 'rhiain,' the Welsh word for maiden or queen, giving the name a collective, exalted meaning. It evokes a sense of regal grace and feminine dignity deeply embedded in Welsh poetic tradition. The name feels both timeless and distinctly Welsh in character.
Rhiannon
“Great queen, divine queen”
Rhiannon comes from the Old Welsh Rigantona, meaning great queen or divine queen, with the root rig relating to the Celtic concept of kingship and sovereignty. In the Mabinogion, the collection of medieval Welsh tales that forms a cornerstone of Welsh literature, Rhiannon is a mysterious and powerful otherworldly woman who rides a white horse with supernatural speed. Her story involves unjust accusation, patient suffering, and ultimate vindication, making her a figure of both power and grace.
Rhianwen
“Blessed maiden”
Rhianwen is a Welsh compound name formed from 'rhian', meaning maiden or young woman, and 'gwen', meaning blessed, holy, or white. The element 'gwen' also carries connotations of purity and light, and appears in a great many Welsh female names. Together, Rhianwen evokes a graceful, radiant femininity deeply rooted in the Welsh poetic tradition.
Rhisiart
“Strong ruler”
Rhisiart is the Welsh form of Richard, a name of Old Germanic origin composed of 'ric' (ruler, power) and 'hard' (strong, brave). Together these elements form 'strong ruler' or 'powerful leader'. Rhisiart represents the Cymricisation of a popular medieval European name, giving it a distinctly Welsh character through its orthography and pronunciation. It carries a scholarly, ancient air, evoking the literary and bardic traditions of Wales.
Rhodri
“Circle ruler”
Rhodri means 'circle ruler' or 'wheel king,' composed of the Welsh elements 'rhod' (circle, wheel) and 'rhi' (ruler, king). It is a name of ancient royal authority, carried by one of the most important kings in Welsh history.
Rhonwen
“White lance”
Rhonwen is composed of two Welsh elements: 'rhon', meaning lance or pike, and 'gwen', meaning white, fair, or blessed. The combined meaning is therefore white lance or fair spear. In Welsh mythology Rhonwen appears as a beautiful princess, daughter of the Anglo-Saxon warlord Hengist, whose beauty was said to have captivated the British king Vortigern. The '-wen' suffix is one of the most beloved elements in Welsh female names, shared with Bronwen, Olwen, and Gwendolyn.
Rhosyn
“Rose”
Rhosyn is the Welsh word for rose, giving this name a direct and beautiful floral meaning. It shares its poetic warmth with the English Rose but carries a distinctly Welsh character through its unique spelling and pronunciation. The name evokes natural beauty, tenderness, and a deep rootedness in the Welsh landscape.
Rhydian
“Ford”
Rhydian derives from the Welsh word 'rhyd', meaning a ford, the shallow crossing point of a river. Such geographical features were central to life in ancient Wales, and names rooted in the landscape carry a deep sense of place. The name gained broader recognition through Rhydian Roberts, the Welsh baritone who reached the final of The X Factor in 2007, introducing the name to audiences well beyond Wales. It is a name with genuine Welsh identity, musical resonance, and a strong, flowing sound.
Rhydwen
“Blessed ford”
Rhydwen is a Welsh name formed from 'rhyd', meaning ford or river crossing, and 'gwen' or 'wen', meaning blessed, white, or holy. It is a landscape name grounded in the Welsh countryside, evoking a sacred crossing point over a river. The name carries a rare, dignified quality that is deeply rooted in Welsh literary and geographical tradition.
Rhys
“Ardour, enthusiasm”
Rhys is an ancient Welsh name meaning 'ardour,' 'enthusiasm,' or 'passion.' It carries a sense of fiery determination and spirited energy, reflecting the character of the medieval Welsh princes who bore this name and defended their lands with fierce devotion.
Robat
“Bright fame”
Robat is the Welsh form of Robert, a name of Old Germanic origin meaning bright fame, composed of the elements 'hrod' meaning fame or glory, and 'beraht' meaning bright or shining. As a Welsh adaptation, Robat preserves the meaning of its English and Germanic equivalent while giving it a distinctively Welsh sound and spelling that reflects the language's phonological rules. It is a name for those who wish to honour Welsh linguistic heritage.
Sannan
“Saint”
Sannan is an ancient Welsh saint's name, borne by Saint Sannan who was venerated in the parish of Bedwellty in what is now Caerphilly county, Wales. The name likely derives from the Latin sanctus meaning holy or saintly, filtered through early medieval Welsh ecclesiastical usage. It has a gentle, devotional quality and is among the rarest of Welsh female names, surviving almost entirely in the historical and hagiographic record.
Seimon
“He who hears or hearkens”
Seimon is the Welsh form of Simon, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard' or 'hearkening.' The name carries a sense of attentiveness and receptivity that resonates across the centuries. In Welsh form it gains a distinctly Celtic character while retaining its ancient Semitic roots.
Seirian
“Sparkling”
Seirian comes from the Welsh word meaning sparkling or bright, evoking the play of light on moving water or the glitter of starlight. The name has a joyful, luminous energy, suggesting a personality that brings brightness and vitality to those around them. It is a distinctly Welsh name with a poetic, natural imagery at its heart.
Selwyn
“Fair zeal”
Selwyn is derived from the Welsh elements sel meaning zeal or ardour, and gwyn meaning fair, blessed, or white. Together they suggest a person of fair and fervent spirit, someone bright with purpose and enthusiasm. The name has a quiet, distinguished quality that places it firmly in the tradition of classic British names with Celtic roots.
Seren
“Star”
Seren is the Welsh word for 'star,' used as a given name that evokes celestial beauty, guidance, and wonder. It is a name that carries the quiet radiance of the night sky, suggesting both the brightness of a guiding light and the vastness of possibility.
Siani
“God is gracious”
Siani is the Welsh pet form of Sian, which is itself the Welsh equivalent of Jane or Joan, both deriving from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning God is gracious. Used affectionately within Welsh-speaking families, Siani has a warm, playful quality that makes it feel both childlike and charming. It is a name full of personality, bright and energetic in sound, carrying the depth of its Hebrew origins while wearing a distinctly Welsh face.
Silian
“From Sillan or associated with the river Silo”
Silian is a Welsh place-derived name associated with the village of Silian in Ceredigion, west Wales, and may be connected to the River Silo in the area. As a name it evokes a strong sense of place and belonging, rooting its bearer in a particular corner of the Welsh landscape. It is rare even within Wales, making it a distinctive and deeply local choice.
Sion
“God is gracious”
Sion is the Welsh form of John, carrying the same Hebrew meaning of 'God is gracious' or 'God has shown favour'. In formal Welsh orthography the name is written with a circumflex accent over the 'o', though this is often omitted in everyday usage. It is a classic Welsh name that connects bearers to a deep tradition of Welsh Christian naming.
Siwan
“God is gracious”
Siwan is the Welsh form of Joan, ultimately derived from the Hebrew meaning 'God is gracious'. The name is famously associated with Siwan, the daughter of King John of England, whose dramatic life as wife of Llywelyn the Great inspired one of the most celebrated plays in Welsh-language literature.
Sulien
“Sun born”
Sulien is an ancient Welsh name meaning sun born, derived from the Welsh element sul, meaning sun, combined with the suffix ien, a diminutive or affectionate ending. It is one of the luminous names of Welsh tradition, evoking brightness, vitality, and a connection to the natural world. The name was carried by Sulien, an eminent Bishop of St Davids in the eleventh century, making it a name with genuine historical weight in Welsh ecclesiastical life.
Taliesin
“Radiant brow”
Taliesin is a Welsh name meaning 'radiant brow' or 'shining forehead', formed from 'tal' (brow or forehead) and 'iesin' (shining or fair). It suggests wisdom and brilliance, as a shining brow was a poetic symbol of inspiration and knowledge.
Tangwen
“Blessed peace”
Tangwen is a rare Welsh name composed of two poetic elements: 'tang', meaning peace or tranquillity, and 'gwen', meaning blessed, white, or holy. Together they create a name of serene beauty that evokes stillness, harmony, and sacred grace. It is a name of quiet strength, deeply rooted in the Welsh language and its long tradition of compounding meaningful elements into names of lyrical power.
Tanwen
“White fire”
Tanwen is a striking Welsh name meaning "white fire" or "holy fire." It blends the elements of flame and purity, creating a name that feels both luminous and spirited.
Tarian
“Shield”
Tarian comes directly from the Welsh word for shield, carrying with it the ancient meaning of protection, defence, and strength. In Welsh-language culture, the shield was not merely a physical object but a symbol of honour and the duty to protect those in one's care. The name therefore suggests both martial courage and a nurturing, guardian quality, making it a meaningful choice for a child of any gender.
Tegid
“Beautiful, fair”
Tegid comes from the Welsh word 'teg', meaning fair, beautiful, or fine. It is the Welsh name for Bala Lake, known in English as Llyn Tegid, which is the largest natural lake in Wales, located in Gwynedd. In Welsh mythology, Tegid Foel was the husband of the enchantress Ceridwen and the father of Morfran and Creirwy. The name therefore connects its bearer to both the natural landscape of Wales and to the rich tradition of Welsh mythology.
Tegwen
“Fair and blessed”
Tegwen combines the Welsh elements for 'fair' or 'beautiful' and 'blessed' or 'holy', creating a name that speaks to both outward grace and inner goodness.
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