Welsh names are drawn from Celtic traditions, mythology, and the Welsh language, known for its poetic beauty. Names like Eira (snow) and Gareth (gentle) reflect nature, virtues, and legendary tales. These names preserve the unique linguistic and cultural heritage of Wales, offering a connection to its storied past.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmylliah | Carmylliah means "colored love," is a rare, beautiful female name. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Carmyne | Carmyne: Unique Scottish name meaning "song" and "lake," feminine. | Latin, Scottish, Welsh | Girl | |
| Carmynta | Carmynta: Welsh name meaning "loving mint," symbolizing sweetness and beauty. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Carrado | Carrado: Welsh name meaning "from the fortress," with historical significance. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Carralyn | Carralyn combines Carol and Lynn, meaning "strong lake" or "free man." | Welsh | Girl | |
| Carrolynn | Carrolynn combines Carol and Lynn, meaning "song of the lake." | Welsh | Girl | |
| Carwen | Carwen: Unique Welsh name meaning "blessed love," elegant and uncommon. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Carwyn | Carwyn: Welsh name meaning "blessed love," popular and culturally significant. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Carwynn | Carwynn: Unique Welsh name meaning "blessed love," charming and elegant. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Carymyn | Carymyn: Unique Welsh name meaning "blessed love," suitable for all. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Carys | Carys: Welsh name meaning "love," popular, culturally significant, unisex. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Carysah | Carysah: Unique Welsh name meaning "love," modern variation of Carys. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Caryss | Caryss: modern, unique name meaning "love," rooted in Welsh mythology. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Carywn | Carywn: Welsh name meaning "blessed love," unique and culturally rich. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Cashlyn | Cashlyn is a modern, unique name combining Cash and Lynn. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Casi | Casi: Welsh name meaning "beloved," popular unisex name since 1990s. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Caswallan | Caswallan: Unique Welsh name meaning "castle wall," symbolizing strength and protection. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Caswallon | Caswallon means "battle chieftain," symbolizing strength and leadership. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Catelyn | Catelyn, a modern name, means "pure" and signifies strength. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Cathwyg | Cathwyg: Welsh name meaning "battle chieftain," symbolizing strong leadership. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Catrinah | Catrinah: a modern, unique variant of the classic name Katrina. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Catrinn | Catrinn: Welsh name meaning "pure," unique, elegant, and culturally significant. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Caw | Caw: Unique name with Welsh and Old English origins, meaning warrior. | Old English, Welsh | Unisex | |
| Cawrdav | Cawrdav: Welsh name meaning "brave warrior," unique and powerful choice. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Caydfan | Caydfan: Unique Welsh name meaning "deep hedge," rich in mythology. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Cayleen | Cayleen: modern name meaning "pure lake," popular for girls. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Caylene | Caylene is a modern, feminine name combining Cayla and Lynn. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Cayneth | Cayneth: Unique Welsh name meaning "fair essence" or "beautiful nature." | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Caynwyn | Caynwyn: Unique Welsh name meaning "fair and lovely," historically rich. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Cayrn | Cayrn: Unique Welsh name meaning "rocky hill," suitable for anyone. | Welsh | Unisex |
The name 'Welsh' originates from the Old English term 'Wealh', meaning 'foreigner' or 'stranger'. This term was used by the Anglo-Saxons to describe the Celtic-speaking people of Britain. Over time, it specifically came to refer to the people of what is now Wales.
In other languages, the term equivalent to 'Welsh' often has similar connotations of 'foreign' or 'Celtic speaker'. For example, in German, 'Welsch' is a historical term for Romance language speakers, showing a similar pattern of denoting foreignness. In many cases, these terms have evolved from the same Germanic roots.
Yes, the name 'Welsh' is directly related to the name of the country Wales. The term 'Wales' and the adjective 'Welsh' both derive from the same Old English root 'Wealh'. This term was historically used to refer to the Celtic inhabitants of the British Isles by the Anglo-Saxons.
The term 'Welsh' evolved in the English language from the Old English 'Wealh', which underwent changes in pronunciation and spelling over time. As English developed and standardized, 'Wealh' became 'Welsh', specifically referring to the language and people of Wales. This evolution reflects the linguistic and cultural changes in Britain after the Anglo-Saxon settlement.
Historically, the term 'Welsh' signified a distinction between the Anglo-Saxon invaders and the native Celtic-speaking Britons. It was used to denote the 'otherness' of the Celtic people during and after the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain. Over time, it became a self-identifier for the people of Wales and their language.
Within Wales, the name 'Welsh' is not commonly used as a self-descriptor; instead, 'Cymru' for the country and 'Cymraeg' for the language are used. These Welsh terms derive from the Brythonic word 'Combrogi', meaning 'fellow-countrymen'. The English term 'Welsh' is an exonym, meaning it is used by outsiders, whereas 'Cymru' and 'Cymraeg' are endonyms, used by the people themselves.
The term 'Welsh' is indeed connected to the Welsh language, as it is the English name for the language spoken in Wales. The Welsh language itself is called 'Cymraeg' in Welsh, and the term 'Welsh' is used by English speakers. The connection between the term and the language reflects the historical relationship between the English and Welsh peoples.
The Welsh people have varying perspectives on the term 'Welsh'; some embrace it as part of their identity, while others prefer 'Cymru' and 'Cymraeg'. The term 'Welsh' is widely accepted and used internationally to refer to the people and culture of Wales. However, within Wales, there is a strong sense of cultural pride associated with the native Welsh terms.
The meaning of 'Welsh' has indeed changed over time, from a general term for 'foreigner' to a specific identifier for the people and language of Wales. This change reflects the shifting political and cultural landscapes of Britain through the centuries. Today, 'Welish' carries a sense of national identity and pride for the people of Wales.
While 'Welsh' primarily refers to the people and language of Wales, it can also be used in broader contexts to describe things related to Wales, such as 'Welsh culture' or 'Welsh traditions'. It is not typically used to refer to unrelated subjects or in a generic sense. The term remains closely tied to its national and linguistic roots.