50 Welsh Baby Names

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Jennifer

• Origin: Welsh, English
• Meaning: White Wave, white phantom, white shadow, fair
• 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.

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, Latin
• 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.

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.

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, Irish
• Meaning: Little poet, fair, pretty
• 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.

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.

Caden

• Origin: Welsh, English, Arabic
• Meaning: Son of Cadan, spirit of battle, friend
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.