Baby Names 50 Welsh Baby Names Learn the meaning and origins of popular Welsh baby names By Wendy Rose Gould linkedin Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. Learn about our editorial process Wendy Rose Gould Fact checked by Fact checked by Daniella Amato on June 14, 2021 Daniella Amato is a biomedical scientist and fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Learn about our editorial process Daniella Amato Updated on July 01, 2021 Print Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Popular Welsh Baby Names for Girls Popular Welsh Baby Names for Boys The Welsh language is derived from Wales, a constituent state located in the United Kingdom directly west of England. While English is technically the primary language spoken in Wales, Welsh is also considered an official language. It's part of the Celtic language family, and it has given us some of the most beautiful baby names in the world. If you’re keen on giving your own baby boy or baby girl a Welsh name, start with this list. Popular Welsh Baby Names for Girls Below you'll find 25 beautiful Welsh baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and a few fun facts. Ariana Origin: Welsh Meaning: Noble, pure, very holy Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aryana, Aryanna, Ariane, Oriana, Arene Famous Namesakes: Ariana Grande, U.S. singer Peak Popularity: The popularity of this name drastically increased from 1980 to 1982 in the United States. Since then, it has steadily increased, achieving its peak popularity in 2014. Avalon Origin: Welsh Meaning: Apple Island, island Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ava Famous Namesakes: Avalon Gomez, U.S. actress; Avalon Rossi Tipton, director Peak Popularity: Avalon reached peak popularity in the United Stated in 2002. For every million babies born, 122 were given the name. Bethan Origin: Welsh Meaning: God is my oath Alternative Spellings & Variations: Bethany, Bethania, Elisheba, Beth, Anne Famous Namesakes: Bethan Gwanas, Welsh author; Bethan Huws, Welsh artist; Bethan Sayed, Welsh politician Peak Popularity: While Bethan has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names, Bethany reached its peak in popularity in 1987. Cambrie Origin: Welsh Meaning: Wales Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cambie, Cambria, Cambry, Cammie, Cam, Brie, Bree Famous Namesakes: Cambrie Shroder, U.S. television personality and model Peak Popularity: Cambrie has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names. Fun Fact: Cambrie is considered a unisex Welsh name. Cari Origin: Welsh Meaning: Beloved Alternative Spellings & Variations: Carey, Cary, Kerry, Carol Famous Namesakes: Cari Read, Canadian Olympic swimmer; Cari Champion, U.S. sportscaster Peak Popularity: The name Cari continuously grew in popularity from 1959 and reached its peak popularity in the U.S. in 1976. Dee Origin: Welsh Meaning: divine, delight Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dea, Deana, Diane, Adea, Deandrea, Diana Famous Namesakes: Dee Wallace Stone, U.S. actress; Dee Dee Bridgewater, U.S. jazz singer Peak Popularity: The name rose to its peak popularity in the U.S. in 1962. Efa Origin: Welsh Meaning: Alive Alternative Spellings & Variations: Effa, Eva, Eve, Efraim, Evina, Evarose, Evert, Evita, Evelyne, Eveanna, Ephraim, Evie Famous Namesakes: Efa Gruffudd Jones, chief executive at the National Centre for Learning Welsh Peak Popularity: In 2015, the name Efa reached its peak popularity in England and Wales. Efa has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names. Elen Origin: Welsh Meaning: Shining, Burst of the sun Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ellen, Ellan, Elan, Ehlan, Maryellen, Elle, Elenora, Leona, Ilene, Eleanor, Helen, Elina, Eliana Famous Namesakes: Elen Levon, Australian singer-songwriter Peak Popularity: Elen has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names. Enid Origin: Welsh Meaning: Soul, life, spirit Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ened, Enydd, Enedd, Enyd, Enidd, Eanid, Eneida, Eneyda Famous Namesakes: Enid Markey, U.S. actress; Enid Greene Waldholtz, U.S. congresswoman from Utah Peak Popularity: The name was at its most popular in 1920 in the United States and has since declined in usage. Fun Fact: Enid is the name of a city in Oklahoma, and Mississippi has an Enid Lake. Gladys Origin: Welsh Meaning: Land, Nation, Princess, Country Alternative Spellings & Variations: Claudias, Gladdi, Claudia, Clady, Claudie, Claud, Klaudius, Gladis Famous Namesakes: Gladys Noon Spellman, U.S. congresswoman from Maryland; Gladys Knight, American singer-songwriter Peak Popularity: Gladys was at its most popular in 1901 in the United States and has since declined in usage. Glenda Origin: Welsh Meaning: Holy, good Alternative Spellings & Variations: Glendalee, Glanda, Glennda. Famous Namesakes: Glenda May Jackson, English actress and politician; Glenda Farrell, U.S. actress Peak Popularity: Glenda peaked in popularity in the United States in 1944. Guinevere Origin: Welsh Meaning: White shadow Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gwen, Win, Wendee, Gwennie, Gwenn, Genevieve, Gwyn Famous Namesakes: Guinevere Jane Turner, U.S. screenwriter and actress; U.S. model Guinevere van Seenus. Peak Popularity: Guinevere has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names. Fun Fact: Jennifer is considered the modern version of this old-fashioned name. Guinevere was also the name of the ill-fated queen in Camelot. Gwyneth Origin: Welsh Meaning: Blessed, happy Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gweneth, Gwenette, Gwen, Gwendolen, Guendolen, Gwennette, Gweneta, Gwenetta, Ceridwen Famous Namesakes: Gwyneth Scally, U.S. visual contemporary artist; Gwyneth Paltrow, U.S. actress and entrepreneur Peak Popularity: The name hasn't been super popular over the years. It saw a few spikes in the '0. The name was most popular in 2013 when 288 baby girls were named Gwyneth. Iola Origin: Welsh Meaning: Violet, beauty Alternative Spellings & Variations: Iole, Iolanthe, Yolanda, Jolanta, Jolanda, Iolanda, Olinda, Yolanthe, Yomara, Iolee, Iolia. Famous Namesakes: Iola Johnson, U.S. news anchor Peak Popularity: Iola was at its most popular in 1907 in the United States and has since declined in usage. Isolde Origin: Welsh Meaning: Ice ruler Alternative Spellings & Variations: Iseult, Isolda Famous Namesakes: Isolde Kurtz, German poet Peak Popularity: Isolde has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names. Fun Fact: Isolde is a namesake of the lead character in the romance novel Tristan & Isolde, written by Rosemary Sutcliff. Jennifer Origin: Welsh Meaning: White Wave, White Phantom, White Shadow Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jenna, Jenessa, Jenalee, Jinnifer, Geniffer, Jennie, Genni, Jennica, Genny, Jeniffer, Ginnifer, Jenniver, Jenifer, Jennee, Jennipher Famous Namesakes: Jennifer Aniston, U.S. Actress; Jennifer Love Hewitt, U.S. actress; Jennifer Garner, U.S. actress Peak Popularity: Jennifer has been a top 1,000 U.S. name since 1938. It was the number one girl's name for fifteen years, reaching peak popularity in 1984. Lynette Origin: Welsh Meaning: Lake, Idol Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lanette, Linnet, Lynn, Linette, Linell, Linn, Adallyn, Lynnmarie, Lynnette, Lina, Linett, Lunete, Luna, Lunet Famous Namesakes: Lynette Woodward, U.S. pro basketball player; Lynette Long, U.S. psychologist and author Peak Popularity: Lynette's popularity peaked in 1987 and has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names since 1994. Mali Origin: Welsh, Latin Meaning: Ruler and first born Alternative Spellings & Variations: Molly, Mala, Amalia, Malvina, Mahala, Emily, Aimil, Amy Famous Namesakes: Mali Nicole, U.S. Singer; Mali Koopman, Australian model Peak Popularity: While Mali has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names, Molly reached peak popularity in 1991 and continues to be a popular U.S. girls name. Fun Fact: In Thailand, the word "Mali" means jasmine flower. Mari Origin: Welsh Meaning: Drop of the sea, bitter, beloved Alternative Spellings & Variations: Maria, Mary, Marie Famous Namesakes: Mari Johanna Kiviniemi, 41st Prime Minister of Finland Peak Popularity: Mari's popularity peaked in 1954 and has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names since 1995. Megan Origin: Welsh Meaning: Pearl Alternative Spellings & Variations: Meghan, Meg, Magan, Magen, Maegan, Megane, Meaghan, Meggan, Meagan, Meygan, Megyn Famous Namesakes: Megan Fox, U.S. actress; Megan Pete (Megan Thee Stallion), U.S. rapper Peak Popularity: This name has been exceptionally popular in the United States over the last 50 years. It reached peak popularity in 1994 and is still consistently used. Fun Fact: This Welsh name is considered a shorthand version of the more formal name Margaret. Meredith Origin: Welsh Meaning: Great ruler, protector of the sea Alternative Spellings & Variations: Meridith, Meredyth, Meredy, Merry, Merridie, Meridie, Meredeth, Merridith, Meredithe, Meredythe, Merideth, Meradith, Meridath Famous Namesakes: Meredith Vieira, U.S. TV journalist; Meredith Monk, U.S. composer and singer Peak Popularity: Meredith has been a top 1,000 U.S. girl's name for over 100 years. It peaked in popularity in 1981. Fun Fact: U.S. country-pop sensation Taylor Swift named her cat Meredith Grey after the title doctor on the long-running television show Grey's Anatomy. Morgan Origin: Welsh Meaning: Sea-Born, Sea-Circle Alternative Spellings & Variations: Maughan, Morgen, Morgana, Muirgen, Morgane, Morgaine Famous Namesakes: Morgan Fairchild, U.S. actress; Morgan Elizabeth York, U.S. actress Peak Popularity: Morgan was in the top 25 most popular baby names in the U.S. from 1994 to 2000 where it reached its peak popularity in 1997. Seren Origin: Welsh Meaning: Star, sail mast Alternative Spellings & Variations: Sirona, Siren, Soren, Serena, Serenity Famous Namesakes: Seren Gibson, Welsh model Peak Popularity: The name hasn't been too common in the United States. In 2016 it reached a peak with 62 babies given the name. In 2019, only 25 girls were named Seren. It's remained popular in the United Kingdom, however. Teagan Origin: Welsh Meaning: Little poet, fair Alternative Spellings & Variations: Teagann, Tegan, Tegwen, Taegan, Tegin, Taygan, Tiegan, Tigan Famous Namesakes: Teagan Clive, U.S. Actress Peak Popularity: Teagan had been an uncommon name in the U.S. until it became a top 1K name in 1999. Its peak popularity was in 2016 and ranked 192nd in 2020. Trina Origin: Welsh Meaning: Pure, innocent, good Alternative Spellings & Variations: Thrina, Cateline, Katharina, Karine, Carina, Karin, Karina, Carine, Cara, Karen, Caitlin, Cate, Catheryn Famous Namesakes: Trina Turk, U.S. Fashion Designer; Trina Robbins, U.S. comic writer and artist Peak Popularity: Trina's popularity peaked in 1971 and has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names since 1990. Popular Welsh Baby Names for Boys Below you'll find 25 beautiful Welsh baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and a few fun facts. Alwin Origin: Welsh, English, German Meaning: Noble friend, friend of elves Alternative Spellings & Variations: Elwin, Audwin, Alwyn, Aldwin, Aldin, Aelfdane, Adalwen Famous Namesakes: Alwin Nikolais, U.S. Choreographer Peak Popularity: Alwin has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names. Andreas Origin: Welsh Meaning: Strong, manly Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ander, Leander, Andor, Andra, Leandros, Arndor, Andrius Famous Namesakes: Andreas Vesalius, Belgian Anatomist; Andreas Beck, German tennis player Peak Popularity: Andreas' popularity peaked in 1966 and has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names since 2008. Fun Fact: The name Andreas is considered the Latin equivalent to Andrew. Brad Origin: Welsh, English Meaning: Broad, wide meadow, broad clearing Alternative Spellings & Variations: Bradd, Bradley, Bradly, Braden, Bernie, Brady Famous Namesakes: Brad Pitt, U.S. actor; Brad Garrett, U.S. actor Peak Popularity: Brad's popularity peaked in 1975 and has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names since 2007. The alternative Bradley has remained in the top 1K names for over a century. Brian Origin: Welsh, Nordic, Celtic Meaning: Strong, virtuous, honorable, noble Alternative Spellings & Variations: Bryan, Bryon, Brien, Brion Famous Namesakes: Brian Boru, King of Ireland; Brian Williams, U.S. broadcast journalist Peak Popularity: Brian has been exceptionally popular and a top 1K U.S. name over the last century. It peaked in popularity in 1977. Fun Fact: The name is believed to have originated from the Celtic word "bre," which means hill. Its meaning later evolved to "high" and "noble." Caden Origin: Welsh, English, Arabic Meaning: Son of Cadan Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cade, Kadin, Cadan, Caiden, Kaiden, Kayden, Cayden, Kaden, Cadin, Cadon, Caedon, Cadyn, Cadan Famous Namesakes: Caden Lovelace, U.S. novelist; Caden Michael Gray, U.S. actor Peak Popularity: Caden had been an uncommon name in the U.S. until it became a top 1K name in 1992. Its peak popularity was in 2006 and ranked 242nd in 2020. Cain Origin: Welsh, Hebrew Meaning: Craftsman, warrior’s son, archaic Alternative Spellings & Variations: Caine, Kane, Cathán, Cathan, Kaniel, Keane, Kain, Cainen, Cane, Kean, Cayne, Kayne Famous Namesakes: Cain Ackland, Australian football player Peak Popularity: Cain had been an uncommon name in the U.S. until it became a top 1K name in 1994. Its peak popularity was in 2014 and ranked 886 in 2020. Fun Fact: Cain is a Biblical name; he was the son of Adam and Eve. Cassian Origin: Welsh Meaning: Hollow, empty Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cassius, Cach, Cassio, Casiano Famous Namesakes: Cassian Horowitz, U.S. actor; Cassian Delsar, Australian ice hockey player Peak Popularity: Cassian has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names. Fun Fact: There were at least four 5th century St. Cassians. One was the patron saint of stenographers (transcriber). Daryn Origin: Welsh/English Meaning: Great, Little Great One, Oak Tree Alternative Spellings & Variations: Darrin, Darren, Daren, Daran Famous Namesakes: Daryn Okada, U.S. cinematographer Peak Popularity: The spelling of the name "Daryn" was only in the top 1K names from 1965-1968. However, the alternate spellings—particularly Darren—have been more common. Darren has consistently been a top 1K name since 1957. Drew Origin: Welsh/English Meaning: Manly, Masculine, Strong Alternative Spellings & Variations: Andy, Andrew, Dru, Drewie Famous Namesakes: Drew Abbott, U.S. guitarist; Drew Brees, U.S. NFL player Peak Popularity: In 1985, the name Drew was at its peak popularity in the United States. Drew has consistently been a top 1K name in the U.S. since 1939. Fun Fact: Drew is considered a nickname for Andrew, which is more common. Dylan Origin: Welsh Meaning: Son of the sea, son of the waves Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dillon, Dylon, Dillan, Dyllan, Dillen, Dylonn, Dylun, Dylen, Deelan Famous Namesakes: Dylan Marlais Thomas, Welsh poet and writer; Dylan O’Brien, U.S. actor Peak Popularity: In 2004, the name Dylan was at its peak popularity in the United States. Dylan has consistently been a top 1K name in the U.S. since 1966. Evann Origin: Welsh Meaning: Archer, merciful God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Evan, John, Jehanne, Ieuan, Johanan, Eoghan, Ivan, Ifan, Ewan, Eavan, Evanjames, Johannes, Dejohn, Gianni, Jackie, Yanis Peak Popularity: While Evann has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names, Evan has consistently been in the top 1K for over a century with its peak popularity in 2009. Gavin Origin: Welsh Meaning: White hawk Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gavyn, Gavon, Gawen, Gawayn, Gavvin, Gowen, Gawaine, Gavan, Gawin, Gawain, Galvin, Gavinn, Gawayne, Gawyn, Gaven, Gauvain Famous Namesakes: Gavin McGregor Rossdale, U.S. singer; Gavin Rees, Welsh boxer Peak Popularity: Gavin has consistently been in the top 1K since 1960 with its peak popularity in 2008. Glenn Origin: Welsh, Scottish, Celtic Meaning: Valley Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gleann, Glen, Glenna Famous Namesakes: Glenn Franklin Howerton III, U.S. actor; Glenn Gould, classical pianist and Bach interpreter Peak Popularity: The name Glenn had been popular in the U.S. for over a century. It peaked in 1962 and remained in the top 1K until 2008. Fun Fact: Glenn is derived from the Gaelic word 'gleann', which directly translates to valley. Irving Origin: Welsh Meaning: Green river, sea friend Alternative Spellings & Variations: Irwyn, Irv, Earvin, Irvine, Ervine, Irvin, Erv, Irvyn, Irven, Ervin, Irwin, Eireamhon, Yves, Ivo, Erouan, Erwan, Irvin, Erwen, Erwin, Herwin, Arwin, Iwe, Iwo, Arvin Famous Namesakes: Irving Grant Thalberg, U.S. Film Producer; Irving Langmuir, U.S. Nobel Prize-Winning Chemist Peak Popularity: Irving's popularity peaked in 1911 and has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names since 2005. Jeston Origin: Welsh Meaning: Clever, Good Think, Just and Upright Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jestin, Justin, Jesstin, Jesten, Jessten, Jesston Famous Namesakes: Jestoni Alarcon, Filipino actor and politician Peak Popularity: Jeston has not been a popular name in the United States. Since the year 2000, fewer than 15 baby boys were given the name per year. Kendrick Origin: Welsh, English, Scottish Meaning: Royal power, bold ruler, champion Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cynwrig, Kendric, Kenrik, Kenrick, Kendricks, Kendrik, Kenricks, Kendrix, Kendryck. Famous Namesakes: Kendrick Lamar (Duckworth), U.S. rapper and songwriter; Kendrick Lewis, U.S. NFL player; Kendrick Brett Meek, U.S. congressman Peak Popularity: Kendrick has consistently been in the top 1K since 1964 with its peak popularity in 2013. Maddox Origin: Welsh Meaning: Son of Madoc, fortunate Alternative Spellings & Variations: Madock, Maddocks, Maddock, Madog, Madox, Madocks, Maddux, Maddex Famous Namesakes: Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt, son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Peak Popularity: Maddox is currently experiencing a small peak in popularity, which began in the 2000s. At its peak in 2017—which has remained relatively stable the last decade—about 3,000 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: Maddox is also a common Welsh and English surname. Merlyn Origin: Welsh, Celtic Meaning: Sea fortress, black bird Alternative Spellings & Variations: Merlin, Myrddin, Marlin, Marland Famous Namesakes: Merlyn Myer, Australian Philanthropist; Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen, U.S. Airforce Officer and Medal of Honor Recipient Peak Popularity: Merlyn was a top 1K name in the U.S. from 1917-1945 and peaked in popularity in 1931. Mervyn Origin: Welsh Meaning: Sea lover, sea friend Alternative Spellings & Variations: Marvin, Myrddin, Merfyn, Marwin, Marve, Merwin, Marv, Murvin, Merv, Marvyn, Mervynn, Mervin, Murvyn, Merven, Merwyn, Merfyn, Merwinn Famous Namesakes: Mervyn Tuchet, English Nobleman and Earl of Castlehaven; Mervyn LeRoy, U.S. film director Peak Popularity: Mervyn was consistently a top 1K name in the U.S. from 1933-1937 and peaked in popularity in 1937. Owen Origin: Welsh Meaning: Youth, well-born Alternative Spellings & Variations: Owain, Owin, Owyn, Owaine, Eóghan, Eoghan, Eugene, Ewan Famous Namesakes: Owen Wilson, U.S. actor Peak Popularity: Owen has been exceptionally popular and a top 1K U.S. name for over a century. It ranked 21st in 2019, its most popular year. Reece Origin: Welsh Meaning: Enthusiasm, passion, ardor Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rhys, Rease, Rees, Ryce, Rhett, Reese, Rhys, Rees, Rhyse, Reyse, Rice, Ryez, Rece, Reace, Riese, Ryse, Reyce, Rei, Reyes, Famous Namesakes: Reece Lyne, English professional rugby player; Reece King, English model Peak Popularity: Reece has consistently been a top 1K name in the U.S. since 1986 achieving its peak popularity in 2001. Fun Fact: Reece is a unisex name. Rhett Origin: Welsh Meaning: Counsel, advice Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ret, Rhys, Rhet. Famous Namesakes: Rhett Davies, English record producer and engineer; Rhett Marshall Ellison, U.S. football player Peak Popularity: Rhett has been exceptionally popular and a top 1K U.S. name for over half a century. It ranked 165th in 2019, its most popular year. Trevyn Origin: Welsh, Cornish Meaning: Fair Town Alternative Spellings & Variations: Traevyn, Trevon, Tremain, Trey, Tray, Von, Traevon, Trevonte, Tramaine, Trae, Trayanna, Trayvon, Vonmarie, Vaughan, Trevontae Famous Namesakes: Trevyn McDowell, property developer and former actress Peak Popularity: Trevyn has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names. Trenton Origin: Welsh, English Meaning: Trent’s town Alternative Spellings & Variations: Trendon, Trent, Trant, Trintin, Trentton, Trenten, Trendun, Trinton, Trentyn Famous Namesakes: Trenton Doyle Hancock, U.S. artist; Trenton Lee Stewart, U.S. author Peak Popularity: Trenton has been exceptionally popular and a top 1K U.S. name for over half a century and peaked in popularity in 2007. Tristan Origin: Welsh Meaning: Outcry, riot, tumult Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tristen, Tristain, Tristynne, Trysten, Tristyn, Trystyn, Trestan, Trestin, Treston, Trestton, Trestyn, Tris, Trisan, Trisden, Trissten, Tristin, Drystan, Famous Namesakes: Tristan Trevor James Johnson, Canadian basketball player Peak Popularity: Triston continues to be popular since it joined the top 1K U.S. names in 1971. Its peak in popularity was in 1996. Fun Fact: Tristan is a namesake of the lead character in the romance novel Tristan & Isolde, written by Rosemary Sutcliff. 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