There’s something special about Welsh baby names. Many come straight from Welsh mythology and folklore, and they have a lovely, sing-song quality that sets them apart from more common choices. Whether you’re after something classic, something quirky, or a name with real heritage behind it, this list has plenty to explore.
Some Welsh names have been popular for years — think Bronwyn, Rhiannon, Gwen, Dylan, Ewan and Gareth — but more parents are now looking further into the list for something a little more unusual for their newborn.
One thing to know before you start browsing: Welsh spelling can look unfamiliar at first. Many names have a more straightforward variation if you’d prefer an easier option, so it’s worth checking a couple of spellings before you settle on your favourite.
Let us know in the comments which one is your favourite!
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Welsh Girls’ Names
A
Adain, Aderyn, Aelwyn, Alis, Angharad, Anwen / Anwyn, Arwen
B
Bethan, Bronwen / Bronwyn, Bryn
C
Cari, Caron, Carys / Cerys, Catrin
D
Dilys
E
Efa, Eilwen, Elen, Eleri
G
Gladys, Glenda, Glenys, Gorawen, Gwen / Gwyn, Gwendolyn, Gwenyth
H
Haf
I
Ina, Iona
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L
Lowri
M
Mair, Mairwen, Meagan, Meredith, Morwen
N
Nerys
O
Olwen
R
Rhiannon, Rhonda
S
Seren, Siân
T
Teagan
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Planning for your new arrival
If you’re still in the thick of getting ready for baby, our Ultimate Baby Checklist is a handy one to have on hand — it covers what you’ll actually need for those early weeks, and what you can happily skip.
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Welsh Boys’ Names
A
Aeron, Afan / Afon, Aled, Alwyn, Arwel, Arwyn
B
Bedwyr, Bevan, Bleddyn, Bowen, Brannock, Bryn
C
Cadoc, Caerwyn, Cefin, Colwyn
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D
Dafydd, Dai, Delwyn, Dewi, Dyfan, Dylan
E
Einion, Emyr, Ewan
G
Gareth, Gawain, Gethin, Glyn, Gruffydd
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H
Huw, Hywel
I
Ieuan, Ifan
L
Llewelyn
M
Madoc, Medwyn
O
Owain
R
Rhodri, Rhys
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A Few Tips for Choosing a Welsh Name
Welsh names often carry meaning drawn from nature, mythology or family heritage, so it’s worth looking into the story behind a name you love. If you’re worried about pronunciation, ask a Welsh speaker (or a good phonetic guide) to say it aloud before you commit — a name you’re confident saying out loud is one you’ll enjoy using every day. And if the traditional spelling feels like a lot, many of these names have a simpler alternative spelling that keeps the sound but softens the look on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Welsh baby names hard to pronounce?
Some can look unfamiliar at first, especially with double consonants like “dd” or “ll”, but most become easy once you hear them said aloud. Many names also have a more phonetic alternative spelling if you’d prefer something simpler.
Do Welsh names have specific meanings?
Many do — a lot of Welsh names come from nature (like Seren, meaning “star”) or from figures in Welsh mythology and legend. It’s worth looking up the meaning of any name you’re drawn to.
Can I use a Welsh name as a middle name instead?
Absolutely. A Welsh middle name is a lovely way to include some heritage or personal meaning without committing to an unfamiliar first name.
Are these names only used in Wales?
No — while these names come from Welsh language and tradition, they’re used by families everywhere and travel well outside Wales too.
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- The Best Roald Dahl Baby Names for Whizzpopping Wonder
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