50 of the most common Welsh names and their real meanings

We have so many beautiful names in Wales, but some are more popular than others. No matter what community you live in or belong to in Wales, we all know a Gareth or a Siân or a Bethan.

But have you ever stopped to think about the meaning behind these names? Some traditional Welsh names come from another, others come from mythology or the Bible, and still others have the most unlikely epic backgrounds.

Here are a handful of popular Welsh names, their meanings and origins. For the latest Welsh news in your inbox, sign up to our newsletter.

READ MORE: The top 100 baby names for girls and boys in Wales

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1. Gareth

The name Gareth is primarily a male name of Welsh origin. It means ‘spear rule’ and could possibly be a form of the name Garrett. According to experts, it is derived from the Welsh word ‘gwaredd’, which means ‘gentle’.

2. Sing

The name Sian is a predominantly feminine name of Welsh origin meaning ‘God’s gracious gift’. Variations of the name include Sian and Shân. The English equivalent could be Jane, the Scottish could be Sheena and the Irish equivalent could be Siobhán.

3.Arthur

This name, which can be shortened to Art or Artie, is of Welsh origin and means ‘bear’ – those of us who speak Welsh know that ‘arth’ means ‘bear’ in the language. The most famous Arthur is probably King Arthur of Camelot, whose story also has its roots in Wales.

4. Sung

The Welsh form of Janet, this name means ‘God is gracious’. The name can also be spelled Shoned.

5. Bethan

According to experts, this name is a diminutive of the name Elizabeth and means ‘God is my oath’. There are about 11,643 people living with this name and the name is most common in Wales.

6. Cary’s

This Welsh girl name means ‘to love’.

7.Dylan

This gender-neutral name has Welsh and Irish origins and means “to the flood.” Variations of this name include Dillon and Dillan.

8. Ceri

Ceri is also a gender neutral name and, like Carys, means ‘love’. It is a shortened version of the name Ceridwen, which means ‘fair or blessed poetry’. Similar Celtic names include Cari, Caris, Carys, Caryl, Cerys and Cerian in Welsh, as well as the Irish Kerry or Keri.

9. Hoof

This male name is derived from the name Hugh, which has Old French and Old German origins. It means ‘soul’, ‘spirit’ and ‘intellect’.

10. Fion

This beautiful feminine name means ‘foxglove’.

11. Megan

This name is also of Welsh origin and means ‘pearl’. Famous Megans include American actress Megan Fox and American rapper Megan Thee Stallion (real name Megan Jovon Ruth Pete).

12.Rhys

This popular boy’s name means ‘passion’ and ‘enthusiasm’. Anglicised versions of this name are Reece, Rees and Reese.

13.Evan

This gender-neutral name means ‘God is good’. Welsh variations of this name, Efan and Ifan, are usually used as male names.

14.Tomorrow

This name is also gender neutral and has many meanings. A combination of the Welsh words ‘mor’ and ‘cant’ could suggest it could mean ‘great circle’, the ‘circling sea’ or ‘white sea dweller’.

15.Gwenda

Gwenda means ‘white’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘blessed’. This could be a variation on Gwendolen or the female version of Gwyndaf.

16. Glenda

The name Glenda means ‘pure’ and ‘good’. It comes from the Welsh word ‘glân’ which means ‘clean’.

17.Lloyd

The name Lloyd comes from the Welsh word for ‘llwyd’, meaning ‘grey’.

18.Gwen

This is a short version of Gwendolyn or Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere). The female name Gwen means ‘white’, ‘to bless’ or ‘holy’. The most famous Gwen is the American singer Gwen Stefani.

19.Glynn

Glyn means ‘valley’.

20.Gwyn

Gwyn means ‘beautiful’, ‘blessed’ or ‘white’.

21. Zion

This Welsh name is of Hebrew origin and means ‘highest point’.

22. Olwen

This Welsh female name means ‘white footprint’. In Welsh mythology, Olwen is a beautiful and fair woman, sought as a prize bride by Prince Cullwch.

23. Owen

Owen is of both Welsh and Irish origin. It means ‘noble’, ‘well-born’ or ‘young warrior’.

24. Owain

The Welsh boy name Owain means ‘youth’.

25. Dafydd

The name Dafydd, a Welsh variant of the name David, means ‘beloved’.

26. Bryn

This Welsh male name means ‘hill’. Variations of this name include Brin, Brinn and Brynn, and over the years the name has become a gender neutral name.

27. Alun

Alun is the name of a river in Flintshire. Many centuries ago Alun was a hero of the ancient kingdom of Dyfed.

28. Erin

This popular girls name is of Irish origin and means Ireland.

29. Elin

This name has Welsh and Scandinavian origins and is a form of Helen. It means ‘shining’ or ‘brilliant’.

30.Rhiannon

This name was popularized by Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac. The name means “great queen.” In Welsh mythology, she is the Welsh goddess of horses and is married to King Pwyll.

31. Heledd

The feminine name Heledd means ‘pool of salt’.

32. Osian

This boy’s name means ‘little deer’ and can also be spelled Oshan. Osian was the 22nd most popular baby boy name in Wales in 2017.

33. Catrien

This name means ‘pure’. The English version of this name is Catherine.

34. Gruffydd

This male name can be spelled Gruffydd, Gryffydd or Gruffudd. It means ‘lord’ or ‘prince’.

35. Angharad

The name Angharad means ‘very beloved’.

36. Ivan

Ivan is of Persian origin and means ‘God is gracious’.

37. Ieuan

This Welsh boy name means ‘gift from God’.

38. Kayak

This gender-neutral name means ‘rejoice’.

39. Els

This name, which can also be spelled Ellis, is of Hebrew origin and means ‘God’s promise’.

40. Aled

Aled means “child”. There is a river called Afon Aled that flows into Conwy.

41. Nia

The name Nia means ‘bright’ and is the Welsh version of the Irish name Niamh. There is also a Swahili version meaning ‘goal’.

42. Rhodri

Rhodri means ‘ruler’ or ‘king’, but it could also mean ‘wheel’ or ‘sphere’.

43. Come in

Gethin means ‘dark-skinned’ or ‘dark’. Famous Gethins include BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones and former rugby player Gethin Jenkins.

44. Emyr

The name Emyr means ‘king’ or ’emperor’.

45.Emlyn

The name Emlyn means ‘charming’ or ‘flattering’.

46. ​​​​Tomos

The Welsh variant of Thomas or Tomas; this name means ‘twin’.

47. Laagri

The Welsh name means ‘laurel’.

48. Alwyn

According to experts, Alwyn is perhaps the most unusual or interesting meaning for a name on this list. It means “elven friend” or “wise friend.”

49. Steffan

The name Steffan comes from the Greek word for ‘crown’. Steffan was the first Christian martyr and his feast day is celebrated on December 26. The English translation is Stephen.

50.Mari

This is the Welsh version of Mary, meaning ‘beloved’.