Meaning and Origin of the Name Myfanwy

Myfanwy is a beautiful and distinctive Welsh girl’s name with a rich history. While its exact origins are debated, it most likely stems from the Old Welsh elements mynfyw meaning “lively” or “spirited” and gwawr meaning “fair” or “excellent”. Therefore, the most common translation of Myfanwy is “lively fair one” or “excellent spirit”.

However, some scholars propose alternative interpretations. One theory suggests the name derives from the word “annwyl” meaning “beloved”. Another theory breaks it down as “my” meaning “my” and “banw” meaning “woman” or “dearest”, resulting in a similar translation of “my dearest” or “my beloved”. This interpretation aligns with the Welsh love song “Myfanwy”, which expresses a young man’s longing for a beautiful woman.

Therefore, the meaning of Myfanwy carries some ambiguity. It could evoke a lively spirit, a cherished one, or both. This richness of meaning adds to the name’s unique charm.

Pet Names

It is also often shortened into the nickname Myf or Myffy.

Variations

Myfanwi is a relatively fixed name with few variations. However, some alternative spellings include Myfanwyf, Myfanwyv, and Mefanwy.

Popularity of Myfanwy

The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly amongst the Welsh nobility. One famous bearer was Myfanwy Fychan, daughter of Owain Gwynedd, the Prince of Gwynedd in the 12th century. Her story is woven into medieval Welsh literature, most notably in the tale of “Kulhwch ac Olwen”, one of the Four Branches of the Mabinogion. In the story, Myfanwy is renowned for her beauty and intelligence.

Myfanwy’s popularity waned somewhat after the Middle Ages, but it enjoyed a revival in the 19th century along with the general resurgence of interest in Celtic culture. Today, Myfanwy remains a well-regarded name in Wales and continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and rich heritage.

Myfanwy is not one of the most popular Welsh girl’s names, but it is still in use and holds a special place in Welsh culture. It did not make the list of the 100 most popular girl’s names for babies in Wales as of 2023.

Why the Name is Famous in Wales

It is the subject of a Welsh song popular in 1875 and may have been written as a reference to a 14th-century love poem about a woman of the same name.

• Myfanwy Fychan (12th century) – Daughter of Owain Gwynedd, Prince of Gwynedd
• Myfanwy Wiliams (1884-1976) – Welsh academic and writer

Some other famous people with the name include: Myfanwy Waring and Myfanwy Talog the dramatic and comedic Welsh actresses respectively, Myfanwy Moore the head of all comedy content produced for the BBC, Myfanwy Piper a British art critic, Myfanwy Haycock the Welsh poet and Myfanwy Howell a Welsh TV broadcaster.

Useful Resources

• Discover the meaning and popularity of other Welsh girls’ names on our website.