As it’s St David day’s we decided to get together some historic Welsh girl’s names:
Welsh names are rich in history and imbued with cultural significance. They often reflect the country’s ancient language, mythology, and the natural beauty of Wales. Here are some historic Welsh girl’s names, their origins, meanings, and the stories behind them.
Branwen
Branwen is a name from Welsh mythology, meaning “white raven”. She is a central figure in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales. Branwen was the sister of Brân the Blessed, a giant and king of Britain. Her story is one of tragedy and love, highlighting themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
Rhiannon
Rhiannon comes from the old Celtic word for “great queen” or “divine queen”. Rhiannon is a significant figure in Welsh mythology, known for her beauty, magical powers, and resilience. She appears in the Mabinogion as the wife of Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed. Her tale is one of perseverance and justice.
Carys
Carys is derived from the Welsh word “caru”, which means “to love”. The name is relatively modern but has ancient roots. It symbolizes affection and kindness, making it a popular choice for its beautiful meaning.
Gwenllian
Gwenllian means “white fair” or “blessed and pure” in Welsh. It was borne by several notable historical figures, including Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, a 12th-century princess and warrior who fought valiantly for Welsh independence. Her legacy is one of bravery and patriotism.
Eluned
Eluned is an ancient Welsh name that means “idol” or “image”. It is associated with Saint Eluned, a 5th-century Welsh saint known for her piety and miracles. The name signifies devotion and spiritual beauty.
Eira
Eira means “snow” in Welsh. This name evokes the natural beauty of Wales, particularly its snowy landscapes during winter. It is a name that conveys purity, tranquility, and the serene beauty of nature.
Ceridwen
The name Ceridwen is derived from Welsh mythology, where Ceridwen is a powerful enchantress associated with wisdom, poetry, and transformation. Her cauldron of inspiration is a central element in her myth, symbolizing knowledge and rebirth.
Angharad
Angharad means “much loved” in Welsh. It is a name that has been used since medieval times and is associated with nobility and grace. Angharad is a character in the Mabinogion, known for her beauty and loyalty.
Other names worth a mansion include:
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- Non -of course the mother of Dewi Sant
- Gwendolen – was the wife of King Arthur
- Awen – a girls name that appear in the Welsh National Anthem ‘Hen Wlad fy Nhadau’.
- Brawen – was the daughter of Ll^r from the Mabinogion
- Elen – was a Welsh saint of Caernarfon and the wife of Masen Wledig the Roman Emperor who gave Wales the first taste of independence.
- Olwen – was a heroine from the Mabinogion stories.
A significant number of traditional Welsh girls’ names that we encounter today originate from Welsh mythology. If you found these girls’ names interesting you might also be interested in our Welsh Girls Names section which includes more names along with their meanings.