Origins of the name “Dwynwen”

Dwynwen (pronounced dooIN-wen) is a beautiful girl’s name, and when it is spoken aloud, it suggests an ancient past. That is because the name comes from 5th century Wales and the patron saint of lovers, Saint Dwynwen. Her story varies, but the following is one of the most popular:Dwynwen had fallen in love with a man named Maelon, but her father had arranged another marriage for her. Overcome with sadness, Dwynwen asked God to help her forget Maelon. So she received a potion from an angel that turned Maelon into ice. She was then granted three wishes. Her first wish was for Maelon to be thawed, the second that God would keep watch over all true lovers, and the third was that she would never be married. All these came true, and Dwynwen became a nun and built a church on the island of Llanddwyn, of which the remains are still there today. One can visit the island, where Dwynwen’s well stands. The well is believed to be the home of a sacred fish that can predict lovers’ futures. In present day Wales, St. Dwynwen day is the Welsh equivalent to St. Valentine’s day and is celebrated on January 25.

Useful Resources

• Our comprehensive list of Welsh girls names.