World Culture names

Welsh Name Generator

Welsh names stand out for their distinctive letter combinations and sounds: ll is a single consonant, dd sounds like the th in “this,” and w and y can be vowels.

Slate-roofed cottages sit low in a green Welsh valley, their stone walls softened by climbing ivy

A few to start with

CeridwenBeautiful as a Poem
LlyrSea
MaelonaYellow Brow
EmyrKing
RhosynRose
GoronwyHero

About Welsh names

Understanding Welsh names

Welsh culture is deeply rooted in history and folklore, known for its enchanting myths and legends. Names in Welsh culture often carry meaningful connections to nature and legends.

Many names carry centuries of Welsh history, from medieval rulers and poets to figures in the Mabinogi, a collection of Welsh tales. Others draw on everyday words for flowers, birds, and qualities such as beauty or love. For a character, a Welsh name can suggest place, heritage, or a connection to legend. Consider how its spelling and sound fit the character, and whether a traditional, modern, or mythic feel suits your story.

A short guide

How to come up with the perfect Welsh name

Traditional Welsh names often include unique combinations of letters and sounds, making them distinct and rich in tradition. Many Welsh names have meanings related to nature or mythical stories.

Notice the sounds and spelling

Welsh spelling follows patterns that may be unfamiliar to English readers. The double letters ll and dd each represent one sound, while ff sounds like English f. The letter w can function as a vowel, as in Guto. When choosing a name, check a Welsh pronunciation guide and decide whether the character’s voice, setting, or narration will help readers meet its sounds naturally.

Look for meanings and histories

Some Welsh names have clear links to words: Ffion means “foxglove,” Celyn means “holly,” and Carys is associated with love. Others are better chosen for their history than for a definite translation. Taliesin recalls a legendary bard, while names such as Rhodri and Llywelyn are associated with Welsh rulers. Avoid assigning a precise meaning when a name’s origin is uncertain.

Choose a name for the character

Consider whether your character needs a contemporary Welsh name, a medieval feel, or a link to a specific tale. Check the period and region of your story before combining a given name with a surname. Welsh surnames often began as references to an ancestor, so a family name may reflect a lineage rather than a landscape or occupation.

Names and meanings

Popular Welsh names

Discover Welsh names that reflect the beauty of Wales' cultural heritage:

Popular Welsh names
Name	Meaning	Gender
Ceridwen	Beautiful as a Poem	Female
Llyr	Sea	Male
Maelona	Yellow Brow	Female
Emyr	King	Male
Rhosyn	Rose	Female
Goronwy	Hero	Male
Blodwen	White Flower	Female
Dilys	Genuine	Female
Gwilym	Determined Protector	Male
Eirian	Shining	Female
Cadoc	Battle	Male
Elain	Fawn	Female
Dewi	Beloved	Male
Mabli	Lovable	Female
Idris	Fiery Lord	Male
Tegwen	Fair and Holy	Female
Owain	Youth	Male
Glenys	Clean and Holy	Female
Caradoc	Loving	Male
Branwen	Fair Raven	Female

61 more Welsh names and meanings

Male Welsh names

Male Welsh names
Name	Meaning
Aneirin	Name of an early Welsh poet, traditionally linked with the poem Y Gododdin.
Bedwyr	Arthurian knight known in Welsh tradition.
Bleddyn	Historic Welsh princely name; its original meaning is uncertain.
Carwyn	Modern Welsh name commonly interpreted as “blessed love.”
Dafydd	Welsh form of David, traditionally interpreted as “beloved.”
Emrys	Welsh form of Ambrosius, associated with the legendary Merlin.
Geraint	Traditional Welsh name borne by a figure in Arthurian legend.
Gethin	Welsh name associated with the meaning “dark” or “dusky.”
Huw	Welsh form of Hugh.
Ieuan	Welsh form of John, traditionally interpreted as “God is gracious.”
Iestyn	Traditional Welsh personal name with medieval roots.
Llywelyn	Historic Welsh princely name, borne by Llywelyn the Great.
Madog	Medieval Welsh name associated with princes and a later voyage legend.
Meurig	Welsh form of Maurice.
Rhodri	Historic Welsh royal name; its precise origin is uncertain.
Rhys	Traditional Welsh name associated with ardour or enthusiasm.
Siôn	Welsh form of John, traditionally interpreted as “God is gracious.”
Steffan	Welsh form of Stephen, traditionally interpreted as “crown.”
Taliesin	Name of a legendary Welsh bard; commonly translated as “radiant brow.”
Urien	Name of a sixth-century Welsh ruler and an Arthurian figure.
Guto	Welsh short form of Gruffudd.
Gruffudd	Historic Welsh personal name, borne by rulers and princes.
Gwalchmai	Arthurian knight; the name is often read as “hawk of May.”
Hywel	Traditional Welsh name borne by the ruler Hywel Dda.
Ifor	Welsh form of Ivor, used in Wales for centuries.
Maredudd	Traditional Welsh name with a long history; its meaning is uncertain.
Tudur	Welsh form of the name behind the Tudor dynasty.
Trefor	Welsh personal name also used as a place name.
Cynan	Historic Welsh princely name.
Cai	Welsh Arthurian name of one of Arthur’s companions.

Female Welsh names

Female Welsh names
Name	Meaning
Aderyn	Welsh word for “bird”; an uncommon nature-inspired name.
Alys	Welsh form of Alice, a name associated with nobility.
Anwen	Welsh name commonly understood as “very fair” or “very beautiful.”
Carys	Welsh name associated with love.
Catrin	Welsh form of Catherine, traditionally associated with “pure.”
Efa	Welsh form of Eve, traditionally associated with life.
Eleri	Welsh personal name also associated with a river and a saint.
Ffion	Welsh word for “foxglove.”
Heledd	Name of a figure in early Welsh poetry.
Llio	Traditional Welsh personal name with an old literary history.
Lowri	Welsh form of Laura, associated with the laurel tree.
Manon	Welsh form related to Mari and Marion.
Megan	Welsh form of Margaret, traditionally associated with “pearl.”
Meinir	Traditional Welsh name also associated with a Welsh saint.
Nerys	Welsh personal name with an uncertain origin.
Non	Name of Saint Non, traditionally identified as the mother of Saint David.
Olwen	Mabinogi heroine whose steps leave white trefoils.
Rhiannon	Mabinogi figure; the name is often interpreted as “great queen.”
Sioned	Welsh form of Janet, traditionally interpreted as “God is gracious.”
Siân	Welsh form of Jane, traditionally interpreted as “God is gracious.”
Tanwen	Welsh name often interpreted as “white fire.”
Tesni	Welsh name associated with warmth.
Gwenllian	Historic Welsh name borne by princesses and other notable women.
Angharad	Traditional Welsh name often associated with love or affection.
Bethan	Welsh form of Elizabeth, traditionally interpreted as “God is my oath.”
Eirlys	Welsh word for “snowdrop.”
Eurwen	Welsh compound commonly understood as “golden and fair.”
Mair	Welsh form of Mary.
Morfudd	Medieval Welsh personal name with an uncertain meaning.

Unisex Welsh names

Unisex Welsh names
Name	Meaning
Ceri	Welsh name used for more than one gender.
Celyn	Welsh word for “holly,” used as a given name.

Welsh last names

Welsh last names
Name	Meaning
Jones	Patronymic surname meaning “son of John.”
Davies	Patronymic surname meaning “son of David.”
Evans	Patronymic surname meaning “son of Evan.”
Williams	Patronymic surname meaning “son of William.”
Thomas	Surname taken from the given name Thomas.
Roberts	Patronymic surname meaning “son of Robert.”
Lewis	Surname established in Wales from the given name Lewis.
Griffiths	Patronymic surname from the Welsh name Gruffudd.
Morgan	Welsh personal name that also became a family surname.
Pugh	Surname formed from ap Hugh, meaning “son of Hugh.”
Price	Surname formed from ap Rhys, meaning “son of Rhys.”
Powell	Surname formed from ap Hywel, meaning “son of Hywel.”
Bevan	Surname formed from ab Evan, meaning “son of Evan.”
Bowen	Surname formed from ab Owen, meaning “son of Owen.”
Parry	Surname formed from ap Harry, meaning “son of Harry.”
Probert	Surname formed from ap Robert, meaning “son of Robert.”
Prichard	Surname formed from ap Richard, meaning “son of Richard.”
Vaughan	From Welsh bychan, “small” or “little.”
Lloyd	From Welsh llwyd, meaning “grey” or “grey-haired.”
Wynn	From Welsh gwyn, meaning “white” or “fair.”

Good to know

Welsh names: frequently asked questions

What are common Welsh names?

Many familiar Welsh names have long histories, including Dafydd, Rhys, and Ieuan for men, and Catrin, Megan, and Siân for women. Some are Welsh forms of names used across Europe, while others, such as Ffion, come directly from Welsh vocabulary. Popularity varies by generation and region.

How do you pronounce Welsh names?

Welsh spelling is fairly regular, but several letters differ from English. The double letter ll is a breathy sound made at the side of the tongue; dd sounds like th in “this,” and ff sounds like f. For example, Siân is commonly pronounced “SHAHN,” while Ffion begins with an ordinary f sound.

What does the Welsh name Ffion mean?

Ffion is the Welsh word for “foxglove,” the flowering plant. It is a familiar feminine given name in Wales and works well for a character with a botanical association or a gentle, nature-connected impression. Its spelling is pronounced with an f sound, not the English “ff” sequence as two separate letters.

Do Welsh surnames have meanings?

Many Welsh surnames began as patronymics, identifying someone as a descendant of a man with a particular given name. Jones means “son of John,” Davies means “son of David,” and Price developed from ap Rhys, “son of Rhys.” Other surnames, such as Lloyd, come from Welsh words; Lloyd means “grey.”