Welsh names are admired for their lyrical sound, rich history, and deep cultural roots. Many draw from mythology, nature, royalty, and ancient tales, giving them a meaningful and expressive quality. Whether you have Welsh heritage or simply love the musicality of the Welsh language, these names offer a blend of tradition, symbolism, and storytelling.
From well-known Welsh girl names like Lowri and Cerys to distinctive Welsh boy names such as Rhys and Owain, each name reflects centuries of culture and legend. This collection includes popular choices, heritage names, and lesser-known options to help you find a Welsh name that feels right for your little one.
Welsh Names for Girls and Boys
Welsh baby names often highlight cultural pride, mythological influences, and the poetic nature of the language. Many carry meanings tied to landscape, history, character, or story, making them thoughtful choices for families.
Welsh Girl Names
Welsh girl names range from traditional to rare, with many inspired by folklore, literature, and meaningful imagery. Their rhythmic sound and cultural depth give them a distinctive charm.
23 Popular Welsh Girl Names
These popular Welsh girl names have remained familiar and well-loved across generations. Their gentle sounds and meaningful origins contribute to their lasting appeal.
1. Angharad — Much loved
2. Anna — One of King Arthur’s sisters
3. Arial — Courageous woman
4. Beca — Derived from Rebecca
5. Bethan — Version of Beth
6. Caitrin — Pure and clear
7. Catrin — Version of Catherine
8. Ceri — Of the village of Cerin
9. Efa — Translation of Eva
10. Elin — Very bright
11. Erin — Ireland
12. Ffion — Fair or white
13. Gwyneth — Female version of Gwynedd
14. Lowri — A version of Laura
15. Mari — Welsh version of Mary
16. Megan — Version of Margaret
17. Morgan — One who was born at sea
18. Nia — Legend
19. Rhian — Maiden
20. Rhiannon — A word of authority meaning great queen
21. Sara — Lady or princess
22. Siân — Welsh version of Jane
23. Sioned — Version of Janet
5 Traditional Welsh Girl Names
These traditional Welsh girl names have been part of Wales’ cultural story for generations. Their historical roots and steady use make them meaningful choices for many families.
1. Dyddgu — Dear day
2. Enid — Soul
3. Glenda — Holy
4. Gwenllian — Fair
5. Mabel — Loveable
9 Less Common Welsh Girl Names
Families looking for Welsh girl names that are used less frequently may enjoy this group. Each name offers cultural depth along with a more distinctive sound.
1. Abertha — To sacrifice
2. Del — Pretty
3. Gladys — Sovereignty
4. Guinevere — A white shadow
5. Hunith — To sleep
6. Lola — Violet
7. Mevanou — Mine
8. Nest — One who is chaste
9. Meinir — Thin and slender
Welsh Boy Names
Welsh boy names often reflect themes of leadership, mythology, and poetic heritage. Many come from legendary figures or words tied to the land, creating names with meaningful origins.
28 Popular Welsh Boy Names
Popular Welsh boy names like Dylan, Rhys, and Owain remain familiar across Wales and beyond. Their cultural significance and memorable sound keep them in steady use.
1. Aled — River
2. Arthur — Name of a king, meaning dark or black
3. Brad — Meaning broad clearing
4. Beynon — The son of Einion
5. Bledig — One who is like a wolf
6. Bledri — The ruler of the wolves
7. Cai — Version of Caius
8. Carwyn — Loved and blessed
9. Cadell — One who battles
10. Cadfael — The battle prince
11. Coel — A trustworthy man
12. Collen — A hazel tree
13. Craigfryn — A rocky hill
14. Cedric — A generous man
Feel Ready for Birth
15. Dylan — Son of the sea and waves
16. Elis — Version of Ellis
17. Emyr — King
18. Gruffudda — Version of Harry
19. Ieuan — Version of Evan or John
20. Iwan — Version of Evan or John
21. Jac — Version of Jack
22. Lewis — A lion-like man
23. Marc — Version of Mark
24. Osian — Poet
25. Owain — Well-bred
26. Owen — Youth
27. Rhys — Version of Rees or Rice
28. Siôn — Version of John
11 Traditional Welsh Boy Names
These traditional Welsh boy names have long histories rooted in legend, literature, or cultural symbolism. Their enduring presence makes them meaningful options for families.
1. Adaf — Born of the red earth
2. Bleddyn — Wolf-like
3. Bran — Raven
4. Einion — Anvil
5. Geraint — Old man
6. Hywel — Eminent
7. Ithel — Generous lord
8. Meilyr — Man of iron
9. Morfran — Sea crow
10. Oswalt — Divine power
11. Tegwared — Decisive
8 Less Common Welsh Boy Names
This group features Welsh boy names that are less frequently heard yet rich in cultural meaning. Their distinctive sounds help them stand out while remaining true to Welsh tradition.
1. Afan — Raspberries
2. Aneirin — Noble
3. Cadell — Battle
4. Honor — Honor
5. Iorwerth — Handsome lord
6. Niclas — Victory
7. Rhodri — Crown
8. Tudor — Power
Welsh Names for Girls and Boys With Famous Roots
Welsh names have appeared in literature, history, and modern culture through notable figures and characters. These examples highlight how Welsh names continue to influence storytelling and identity.
28 Famous Men with Welsh Names
These well-known individuals showcase the range and heritage of Welsh boy names. Their contributions bring added cultural depth to each name’s story.
1. Alun — The first minister of Wales from 1999-2000: rock
2. Arwel — Rugby player Arwel Thomas: prominent
3. Barri — Welsh wrestler Barri Griffiths: mountain
4. Bryn — “Gavin and Stacy” star Bryn West: hill
5. Ioan — Hollywood actor Ioan Gruffudd: gift of god
6. Darren — American actor Darren Criss: edge
7. Garth — Country musician Garth Brooks: keeper of the garden
8. Glanmor — Welsh historian Glanmor Williams: bright
9. Glyn — “Big Brother” contestant Glyn Wise: valley
10. Guto — BBC political correspondent Guto Harri: griffin lord
11. Gwenallt — Poet D. Gwenallt Jones: white or fair
12. Gwilym — Pianist Gwilym Simcock: helmet
13. Gwyndaf — British rally champion Gyndaf Evans: blessed or good
14. Hedd — Poet Hedd Wyn: peace
15. Heini — Welsh author Heini Gruffudd: home ruler
16. Lestyn — Rugby player Lestyn Harris: just and fair
17. Lolo — Naturalist Lolo Williams: handsome lord
18. Lorwerth — Poet Lorwerth Peate: fine or handsome
19. Macsen — Roman emperor Macson Wledig: greatest
20. Morgan — Founder of Morgan Stanley Bank, J.P. Morgan: born of the sea
21. Pyrs — Historian Piers Morgan: rock
22. Rodric — British ambassador Rodric Braithwaite: famous ruler
23. Rhun — TV personality Rhun AP Lorwerth: great
24. Rhydian — Welsh singer Rhydian Roberts: passionate
25. Tecwyn — Character from the TV show “Tecwyn the Tractor”: white
26. Terfel — Welsh opera singer Bryn Terfel Jones: oak prince
27. Tomi — French illustrator Tomi Ungerer: rich
28. Wyn — Bishop of St. David’s, Church of Wales Wyn Evans: blessed
16 Famous Women with Welsh Names
From artists to performers to literary figures, these women highlight how Welsh girl names carry cultural impact and creativity across generations.
1. Anwen — Actress Anwen Rees-Myers: very fair
2. Arwen — “The Lord of the Rings” character Arwen Undomiel: muse
3. Betsan — Welsh political reporter Betsan Powys: my god is a vow
4. Blodwen — Fictional character Blodwen Jones: fair flower
5. Bronwyn — “Neighbours” character Bronwyn Ramsay: blessed breast
6. Cadi — Actress Cadi Mullane: pure
7. Carys — Daughter of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, Carys Douglas: beloved one
8. Cerys — Cerys Matthews: to love
9. Dilys — “Fireman Sam” character Dilys Price: genuine
10. Eiluned — Author Eiluned Lewis: nymph or idol
11. Eleri — Radio and TV personality Eleri Sion: river name
12. Glynis — TV actress Glynis Barber: holly or valley
13. Gwawr — Soprano singer Gwawr Edwards: dawn
14. Gwendolen — Actress Gwendolen Elias: blessed ring
15. Meinir — Singer and songwriter Meinir Gwilym: maiden
16. Nerys — Actress Nerys Hughes: noblewoman or hero
Welsh names offer a rich blend of myth, music, and cultural heritage, making them meaningful choices for any family. Whether you gravitate toward traditional Welsh names or lesser-known options, each one carries stories that have lasted for centuries.
If you would like to explore more culturally rooted baby names, take a look at our lists of Irish baby names, Celtic baby names, or browse our full Baby Names Hub for inspiration from additional origins.
