Ariana
Origin: WelshMeaning: Noble, pure, very holyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aryana, Aryanna, Ariane, Oriana, AreneFamous Namesakes: Ariana Grande, U.S. singerPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Apple Island, islandAlternative Spellings & Variations: AvaFamous Namesakes: Avalon Gomez, U.S. actress; Avalon Rossi Tipton, directorPeak 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 oathAlternative Spellings & Variations: Bethany, Bethania, Elisheba, Beth, AnneFamous 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: WalesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cambie, Cambria, Cambry, Cammie, Cam, Brie, BreeFamous Namesakes: Cambrie Shroder, U.S. television personality and modelPeak Popularity: Cambrie has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names.
Cari
Origin: WelshMeaning: BelovedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Carey, Cary, Kerry, CarolFamous Namesakes: Cari Read, Canadian Olympic swimmer; Cari Champion, U.S. sportscasterPeak Popularity: The name Cari continuously grew in popularity from 1959 and reached its peak popularity in the U.S. in 1976.
Dee
Origin: WelshMeaning: divine, delightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dea, Deana, Diane, Adea, Deandrea, Diana Famous Namesakes: Dee Wallace Stone, U.S. actress; Dee Dee Bridgewater, U.S. jazz singerPeak Popularity: The name rose to its peak popularity in the U.S. in 1962.
Efa
Origin: WelshMeaning: AliveAlternative Spellings & Variations: Effa, Eva, Eve, Efraim, Evina, Evarose, Evert, Evita, Evelyne, Eveanna, Ephraim, EvieFamous Namesakes: Efa Gruffudd Jones, chief executive at the National Centre for Learning WelshPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Shining, Burst of the sunAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ellen, Ellan, Elan, Ehlan, Maryellen, Elle, Elenora, Leona, Ilene, Eleanor, Helen, Elina, ElianaFamous Namesakes: Elen Levon, Australian singer-songwriterPeak Popularity: Elen has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names.
Enid
Origin: WelshMeaning: Soul, life, spiritAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ened, Enydd, Enedd, Enyd, Enidd, Eanid, Eneida, EneydaFamous Namesakes: Enid Markey, U.S. actress; Enid Greene Waldholtz, U.S. congresswoman from UtahPeak Popularity: The name was at its most popular in 1920 in the United States and has since declined in usage.
Gladys
Origin: WelshMeaning: Land, Nation, Princess, Country Alternative Spellings & Variations: Claudias, Gladdi, Claudia, Clady, Claudie, Claud, Klaudius, GladisFamous Namesakes: Gladys Noon Spellman, U.S. congresswoman from Maryland; Gladys Knight, American singer-songwriterPeak Popularity: Gladys was at its most popular in 1901 in the United States and has since declined in usage.
Glenda
Origin: WelshMeaning: Holy, goodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Glendalee, Glanda, Glennda. Famous Namesakes: Glenda May Jackson, English actress and politician; Glenda Farrell, U.S. actressPeak Popularity: Glenda peaked in popularity in the United States in 1944.
Guinevere
Origin: WelshMeaning: White shadowAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gwen, Win, Wendee, Gwennie, Gwenn, Genevieve, GwynFamous 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: WelshMeaning: Blessed, happyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gweneth, Gwenette, Gwen, Gwendolen, Guendolen, Gwennette, Gweneta, Gwenetta, CeridwenFamous Namesakes: Gwyneth Scally, U.S. visual contemporary artist; Gwyneth Paltrow, U.S. actress and entrepreneurPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Violet, beautyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Iole, Iolanthe, Yolanda, Jolanta, Jolanda, Iolanda, Olinda, Yolanthe, Yomara, Iolee, Iolia.Famous Namesakes: Iola Johnson, U.S. news anchorPeak Popularity: Iola was at its most popular in 1907 in the United States and has since declined in usage.
Isolde
Origin: WelshMeaning: Ice rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Iseult, IsoldaFamous Namesakes: Isolde Kurtz, German poetPeak Popularity: Isolde has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names.
Jennifer
Origin: Welsh, EnglishMeaning: White Wave, white phantom, white shadow, fairAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jenna, Jenessa, Jenalee, Jinnifer, Geniffer, Jennie, Genni, Jennica, Genny, Jeniffer, Ginnifer, Jenniver, Jenifer, Jennee, JennipherFamous Namesakes: Jennifer Aniston, U.S. Actress; Jennifer Love Hewitt, U.S. actress; Jennifer Garner, U.S. actressPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Lake, IdolAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lanette, Linnet, Lynn, Linette, Linell, Linn, Adallyn, Lynnmarie, Lynnette, Lina, Linett, Lunete, Luna, LunetFamous Namesakes: Lynette Woodward, U.S. pro basketball player; Lynette Long, U.S. psychologist and authorPeak 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, LatinMeaning: Ruler and first bornAlternative Spellings & Variations: Molly, Mala, Amalia, Malvina, Mahala, Emily, Aimil, AmyFamous Namesakes: Mali Nicole, U.S. Singer; Mali Koopman, Australian modelPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Drop of the sea, bitter, belovedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Maria, Mary, MarieFamous Namesakes: Mari Johanna Kiviniemi, 41st Prime Minister of FinlandPeak 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, LatinMeaning: Pearl, Alternative Spellings & Variations: Meghan, Meg, Magan, Magen, Maegan, Megane, Meaghan, Meggan, Meagan, Meygan, MegynFamous Namesakes: Megan Fox, U.S. actress; Megan Pete (Megan Thee Stallion), U.S. rapperPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Great ruler, protector of the seaAlternative Spellings & Variations: Meridith, Meredyth, Meredy, Merry, Merridie, Meridie, Meredeth, Merridith, Meredithe, Meredythe, Merideth, Meradith, MeridathFamous Namesakes: Meredith Vieira, U.S. TV journalist; Meredith Monk, U.S. composer and singerPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Sea-Born, Sea-CircleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Maughan, Morgen, Morgana, Muirgen, Morgane, MorgaineFamous Namesakes: Morgan Fairchild, U.S. actress; Morgan Elizabeth York, U.S. actressPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Star, sail mastAlternative Spellings & Variations: Sirona, Siren, Soren, Serena, SerenityFamous Namesakes: Seren Gibson, Welsh modelPeak 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, IrishMeaning: Little poet, fair, prettyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Teagann, Tegan, Tegwen, Taegan, Tegin, Taygan, Tiegan, TiganFamous Namesakes: Teagan Clive, U.S. ActressPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Pure, innocent, goodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Thrina, Cateline, Katharina, Karine, Carina, Karin, Karina, Carine, Cara, Karen, Caitlin, Cate, CatherynFamous Namesakes: Trina Turk, U.S. Fashion Designer; Trina Robbins, U.S. comic writer and artistPeak 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, GermanMeaning: Noble friend, friend of elvesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Elwin, Audwin, Alwyn, Aldwin, Aldin, Aelfdane, AdalwenFamous Namesakes: Alwin Nikolais, U.S. ChoreographerPeak Popularity: Alwin has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names.
Andreas
Origin: WelshMeaning: Strong, manlyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ander, Leander, Andor, Andra, Leandros, Arndor, AndriusFamous Namesakes: Andreas Vesalius, Belgian Anatomist; Andreas Beck, German tennis playerPeak Popularity: Andreas’ popularity peaked in 1966 and has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names since 2008.
Brad
Origin: Welsh, EnglishMeaning: Broad, wide meadow, broad clearingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Bradd, Bradley, Bradly, Braden, Bernie, BradyFamous Namesakes: Brad Pitt, U.S. actor; Brad Garrett, U.S. actorPeak 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, CelticMeaning: Strong, virtuous, honorable, nobleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Bryan, Bryon, Brien, BrionFamous 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, ArabicMeaning: Son of Cadan, spirit of battle, friendAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cade, Kadin, Cadan, Caiden, Kaiden, Kayden, Cayden, Kaden, Cadin, Cadon, Caedon, Cadyn, CadanFamous Namesakes: Caden Lovelace, U.S. novelist; Caden Michael Gray, U.S. actorPeak 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, HebrewMeaning: Craftsman, warrior’s son, archaicAlternative Spellings & Variations: Caine, Kane, Cathán, Cathan, Kaniel, Keane, Kain, Cainen, Cane, Kean, Cayne, KayneFamous Namesakes: Cain Ackland, Australian football playerPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Hollow, emptyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cassius, Cach, Cassio, CasianoFamous Namesakes: Cassian Horowitz, U.S. actor; Cassian Delsar, Australian ice hockey playerPeak Popularity: Cassian has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names.
Daryn
Origin: Welsh/EnglishMeaning: Great, Little Great One, Oak TreeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Darrin, Darren, Daren, DaranFamous Namesakes: Daryn Okada, U.S. cinematographerPeak 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/EnglishMeaning: Manly, Masculine, StrongAlternative Spellings & Variations: Andy, Andrew, Dru, DrewieFamous Namesakes: Drew Abbott, U.S. guitarist; Drew Brees, U.S. NFL playerPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Son of the sea, son of the wavesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dillon, Dylon, Dillan, Dyllan, Dillen, Dylonn, Dylun, Dylen, DeelanFamous Namesakes: Dylan Marlais Thomas, Welsh poet and writer; Dylan O’Brien, U.S. actorPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Archer, merciful GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Evan, John, Jehanne, Ieuan, Johanan, Eoghan, Ivan, Ifan, Ewan, Eavan, Evanjames, Johannes, Dejohn, Gianni, Jackie, YanisPeak 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: WelshMeaning: White hawk Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gavyn, Gavon, Gawen, Gawayn, Gavvin, Gowen, Gawaine, Gavan, Gawin, Gawain, Galvin, Gavinn, Gawayne, Gawyn, Gaven, GauvainFamous Namesakes: Gavin McGregor Rossdale, U.S. singer; Gavin Rees, Welsh boxerPeak Popularity: Gavin has consistently been in the top 1K since 1960 with its peak popularity in 2008.
Glenn
Origin: Welsh, Scottish, CelticMeaning: Valley Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gleann, Glen, GlennaFamous Namesakes: Glenn Franklin Howerton III, U.S. actor; Glenn Gould, classical pianist and Bach interpreterPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Green river, sea friendAlternative 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, ArvinFamous Namesakes: Irving Grant Thalberg, U.S. Film Producer; Irving Langmuir, U.S. Nobel Prize-Winning ChemistPeak Popularity: Irving’s popularity peaked in 1911 and has not ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. baby names since 2005.
Jeston
Origin: WelshMeaning: Clever, Good Think, Just and UprightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jestin, Justin, Jesstin, Jesten, Jessten, JesstonFamous Namesakes: Jestoni Alarcon, Filipino actor and politicianPeak 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, ScottishMeaning: Royal power, bold ruler, championAlternative 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. congressmanPeak Popularity: Kendrick has consistently been in the top 1K since 1964 with its peak popularity in 2013.
Maddox
Origin: WelshMeaning: Son of Madoc, fortunateAlternative Spellings & Variations: Madock, Maddocks, Maddock, Madog, Madox, Madocks, Maddux, MaddexFamous Namesakes: Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt, son of Angelina Jolie and Brad PittPeak 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, CelticMeaning: Sea fortress, black birdAlternative Spellings & Variations: Merlin, Myrddin, Marlin, MarlandFamous Namesakes: Merlyn Myer, Australian Philanthropist; Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen, U.S. Airforce Officer and Medal of Honor RecipientPeak Popularity: Merlyn was a top 1K name in the U.S. from 1917-1945 and peaked in popularity in 1931.
Mervyn
Origin: WelshMeaning: Sea lover, sea friendAlternative Spellings & Variations: Marvin, Myrddin, Merfyn, Marwin, Marve, Merwin, Marv, Murvin, Merv, Marvyn, Mervynn, Mervin, Murvyn, Merven, Merwyn, Merfyn, MerwinnFamous Namesakes: Mervyn Tuchet, English Nobleman and Earl of Castlehaven; Mervyn LeRoy, U.S. film directorPeak Popularity: Mervyn was consistently a top 1K name in the U.S. from 1933-1937 and peaked in popularity in 1937.
Owen
Origin: WelshMeaning: Youth, well-bornAlternative Spellings & Variations: Owain, Owin, Owyn, Owaine, Eóghan, Eoghan, Eugene, EwanFamous Namesakes: Owen Wilson, U.S. actorPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Enthusiasm, passion, ardorAlternative 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 modelPeak Popularity: Reece has consistently been a top 1K name in the U.S. since 1986 achieving its peak popularity in 2001.
Rhett
Origin: WelshMeaning: Counsel, adviceAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ret, Rhys, Rhet.Famous Namesakes: Rhett Davies, English record producer and engineer; Rhett Marshall Ellison, U.S. football playerPeak 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 TownAlternative Spellings & Variations: Traevyn, Trevon, Tremain, Trey, Tray, Von, Traevon, Trevonte, Tramaine, Trae, Trayanna, Trayvon, Vonmarie, Vaughan, TrevontaeFamous Namesakes: Trevyn McDowell, property developer and former actressPeak Popularity: Trevyn has no history of ranking in the top 1,000 American baby names.
Trenton
Origin: Welsh, EnglishMeaning: Trent’s townAlternative Spellings & Variations: Trendon, Trent, Trant, Trintin, Trentton, Trenten, Trendun, Trinton, TrentynFamous Namesakes: Trenton Doyle Hancock, U.S. artist; Trenton Lee Stewart, U.S. authorPeak 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: WelshMeaning: Outcry, riot, tumultAlternative 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 playerPeak Popularity: Triston continues to be popular since it joined the top 1K U.S. names in 1971. Its peak in popularity was in 1996.
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