Welsh Name Generator
Create authentic welsh names for characters and creative projects. The perfect tool for writers, gamers, and world-builders.
Showing 500 names available in Welsh Name Generator.
Curated Welsh Name Generator List
| Name | Meaning / Origin | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Adwen | White, blessed (female) | Any |
| Aelwen | Fair brow (female) | Any |
| Aeron | Berry, goddess of battle (male) | Any |
| Aeronwen | Fair berry, blessed berry (female) | Any |
| Afon | River (male) | Any |
| Alaw | Melody, harmony (female) | Any |
| Aled | Offspring, child (male) | Any |
| Almedha | Shapely (female) | Any |
How to Pick a Good Welsh Name
Celtic and Cymraeg Heritage
Welsh names represent ancient Brittonic Celtic traditions distinct from English. The Welsh language survived centuries of pressure to maintain unique naming conventions. Names like Gwynedd and Llywelyn have no English equivalents. Understanding this distinctiveness reveals why Welsh names carry deep cultural significance.
Mabinogion and Mythology
The Mabinogion provides legendary names rooted in Celtic mythology. Branwen means beautiful raven, Gwydion was a powerful magician, and Rhiannon a divine queen. These medieval tales preserve pre-Christian mythology filtered through Welsh literary tradition, offering names with profound cultural resonance.
Welsh Pronunciation Guide
Welsh pronunciation follows consistent rules once mastered. The ll is a lateral fricative, dd sounds like English th, ff equals English f, and single f sounds like v. The ch matches Scottish loch. Learning these transforms seemingly difficult names into predictable phonetic choices.
Bardic and Literary Tradition
Eisteddfod tradition celebrates Welsh poetry and preserves bardic names. Taliesin means radiant brow and honors the legendary bard. Bardic names continue being awarded at Eisteddfodau today. Literary naming emphasizes creativity and cultural continuity across Welsh generations.
Patriotic Naming Revival
Welsh naming experienced revival as cultural resistance during language suppression. Giving children Welsh names became acts of heritage preservation. The movement intensified in the 1960s and continues strengthening today. Welsh-medium education increases familiarity with traditional names among youth.
Authentic vs Anglicized Spellings
Welsh names exist in authentic and anglicized forms: Ifan versus Evan, Huw versus Hugh. Authentic spellings preserve heritage but face mispronunciation outside Wales. Anglicized versions ease pronunciation but sacrifice some cultural authenticity. Both approaches honor Welsh heritage through different strategies.
Key Considerations
- Welsh names derive from Brittonic Celtic roots distinct from English Germanic origins
- The Mabinogion provides legendary names like Rhiannon, Branwen, and Gwydion
- Welsh pronunciation follows consistent rules once ll, dd, ff, and ch are understood
- Bardic tradition connects names to Welsh poetry and Eisteddfod heritage
- Patriotic naming revival supports Welsh language preservation efforts
Famous Examples
Dylan Thomas
Poet and Writer
The legendary Welsh poet bore a name from the Mabinogion. His lyrical genius made Welsh poetry internationally famous. Works like Under Milk Wood showcase Celtic literary artistry.
Tom Jones
Singer and Entertainer
Born Thomas John Woodward in Pontypridd, he adopted a classic stage name. His powerful voice made the name famous worldwide. He represented Welsh musical talent for over six decades.
Aneurin Bevan
Politician and NHS Founder
The founder of Britain's National Health Service bore an ancient Welsh name. His name honors the bard Aneirin who wrote Y Gododdin. He became synonymous with social progress in British history.
Gareth Bale
Professional Footballer
The Welsh football superstar bears a name meaning gentle. His achievements brought Welsh naming to global recognition. He remains one of the most celebrated Welsh athletes today.
Shirley Bassey
Singer and Dame
Born in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, she became a legendary entertainer. Her powerful voice defined classic James Bond theme songs. She brought Welsh artistry to international audiences for generations.
Popular Welsh Names
These Welsh names represent traditional and modern naming conventions in Wales.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rhys | Enthusiasm or ardor |
| Seren | Star |
| Dylan | Son of the sea or great wave |
| Ffion | Foxglove flower |
| Owain | Young warrior or well-born |
| Carys | Love |
| Gethin | Dark-skinned or dusky |
| Eira | Snow |
| Iwan | God is gracious |
| Angharad | Much loved or beloved |
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow do you pronounce Welsh names with ll and dd?
Welsh ll creates a breathy sound unique to Welsh. Place your tongue as for L and blow air sideways. The dd sounds like English th in the. These sounds appear in names like Llywelyn and Gwynedd. Once you learn these two sounds, Welsh becomes predictable. Practice makes perfect with these distinctive sounds.
QWhat are the most popular Welsh baby names today?
Current Welsh naming favors nature names like Seren and Eira. These mean star and snow respectively. Rhys and Dylan remain popular for boys. Ffion and Carys are beloved for girls. Welsh-medium education increased familiarity with traditional names. Names balancing authenticity with easy pronunciation prove most popular.
QWhat Welsh names come from the Mabinogion?
The Mabinogion provides treasured Welsh names from Celtic mythology. Rhiannon was a supernatural queen linked to horses and birds. Branwen means beautiful raven. Gwydion was a powerful magician. Dylan was a sea deity. These mythological names carry deep cultural significance for Welsh heritage.
QWhat is the difference between Welsh and English surnames?
Welsh surnames came from patronymic traditions. Ap meant son of and ferch meant daughter of. These evolved into modern surnames. Powell comes from ap Hywel. Price comes from ap Rhys. Bowen comes from ab Owen. This explains why Jones, Williams, and Davies are common Welsh surnames.
QShould I use the Anglicized or Welsh spelling of a name?
The choice depends on practical needs and cultural priorities. Welsh spellings like Ifan and Huw preserve heritage. But they may face mispronunciation outside Wales. Anglicized versions like Evan and Hugh ease pronunciation. Consider where your children will live and work. Both approaches honor Welsh heritage differently.
QAre Welsh names suitable for non-Welsh families?
Welsh names can be beautiful for any family appreciating Celtic sounds. Dylan, Owen, and Megan have become international favorites. They cross cultural boundaries easily. Learning proper pronunciation shows respect for the language. Many Welsh names connect to nature and mythology. These meanings resonate universally beyond Wales.