Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beli | Beli: Welsh unisex name meaning "shining" or "bright," historically significant. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Beli Mawr | Beli Mawr means "Beli the Great," reflecting Welsh mythology and history. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Belidan | Belidan: unique Welsh name meaning "handsome young man," culturally significant. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Bendic | Bendic: Welsh name meaning "blessed," variant of Benedict, masculine. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Bendigeidfran | Bendigeidfran means "blessed raven" in Welsh, symbolizing holiness. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Benigied Vran | Benigied Vran: Welsh name meaning "lord of the crows." | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Bennion | Bennion: Welsh name meaning "blessed," unique, strong, and traditional. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Bennsan | Bennsan: Unique Welsh name meaning "holy head," honoring cultural heritage. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Bercilak | Bercilak: Welsh name meaning "fair companion," linked to chivalry. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Berdyn | Berdyn: Unique Welsh name meaning "little spear," suitable for anyone. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Berian | Berian: Welsh name meaning "fair-haired," unique, traditional, and masculine. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Bernyc | Bernyc is a unique Welsh name meaning "hill," unisex and rare. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Beronthah | Beronthah: Unique Welsh name meaning "short wave," predominantly feminine. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Berthog | Berthog: Welsh name meaning "bright pledge" with historical significance. | Welsh | Boy | |
| Berwyn | Berwyn: Welsh name meaning "fair-haired," popular and historically significant. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Berwynah | Berwynah: Unique Welsh name meaning "blessed with fair hair." | Welsh | Girl | |
| Berwyne | Berwyne: Welsh name meaning "fair-haired," rich in cultural significance. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Berwynn | Berwynn: Welsh name meaning "fair-haired," steeped in history and culture. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Berwynnah | Berwynnah: Unique Welsh name meaning "fair one who approaches." | Welsh | Girl | |
| Berwynne | Berwynne: Welsh name meaning "fair-haired friend," popular and culturally significant. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Bethol | Bethol: Welsh name meaning "dweller by the stream," unique and meaningful. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Betrys | Betrys: Welsh name meaning "traveler," symbolizing adventure and happiness. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Bettrys | Bettrys means "voyager," linked to happiness and Welsh mythology. | Welsh | Girl | |
| Bevan | Bevan: Welsh name meaning "son of Evan," unisex, historically significant. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Beven | Beven: Unique unisex Welsh name meaning "son of Evan" or "young warrior." | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Bevon | Bevon: Unique Welsh name meaning "son of Evan," suitable for boys. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Bevyn | Bevyn: Unique, unisex Welsh name meaning "son of Evan," rare choice. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Beynon | Beynon means "son of Einion," reflecting Welsh heritage and tradition. | Welsh | Unisex | |
| Bittan | Bittan is a rare Welsh diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning "little bit." | Welsh | Girl | |
| Bladine | Bladine: a rare, feminine name with uncertain origins and history. | Welsh | Girl |
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.
