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Popular Welsh Baby boys’ names in 2021


Welsh baby boy names have been gaining popularity in recent years, both in Wales and beyond. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) releases a list of the most popular baby names in Wales each year, and in 2021, the top 10 Welsh boys’ names were:

  1. Noah
  2. Oliver
  3. Arthur
  4. George
  5. Dylan
  6. Leo
  7. Oscar
  8. Jack
  9. Charlie
  10. Archie
The most popular Welsh baby name in 2021
The most popular Welsh baby name in 2021

While Noah and Oliver are not Welsh names, they are very popular in Wales and around the world. Arthur is a classic Welsh name that has been popular for centuries, and it remains a popular choice for parents today. George, Leo, Oscar, Jack, Charlie, and Archie are also popular choices in Wales and other English-speaking countries.

Other popular Welsh baby boy names in 2021 included:

These names are all popular in Wales for different reasons. Some, such as Osian, Elis, and Jac, are traditional Welsh names that have been popular for generations. Others, such as Alfie, Ethan, and William, are more modern names that have become popular in Wales in recent years.

Here are some more details about some of the most popular Welsh baby boy names in 2021:

  • Dylan: Dylan is the most popular Welsh boy name, and it has been for many years. It means “son of the sea and waves,” and it is a name that is often associated with strength and masculinity.
  • Arthur: Arthur is another classic Welsh name that has been popular for centuries. It is the name of the legendary King Arthur, and it means “bear” or “strong man.”
  • Osian: Osian is a traditional Welsh name that means “young warrior.” It is a name that is often associated with bravery and strength.
  • Elis: Elis is a traditional Welsh name that means “God’s promise.” It is a name that is often associated with hope and faith.
  • Jac: Jac is a Welsh version of the name Jack. It means “God is gracious.”
  • Rhys: Rhys is a traditional Welsh name that means “ardent” or “passionate.” It is a name that is often associated with energy and enthusiasm.
  • Hari: Hari is a Welsh version of the name Harry. It means “house owner.”
  • Gruffydd: Gruffydd is a traditional Welsh name that means “lord” or “prince.” It is a name that is often associated with power and nobility.
  • Lewis: Lewis is a Welsh version of the name Louis. It means “warrior” or “renowned.”

If you are considering a Welsh name for your baby boy, there are many great options to choose from. Welsh names are beautiful, meaningful, and unique. They are also a great way to connect your child to their Welsh heritage.

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Discover the meaning and popularity of other Welsh boys’ names.

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Gwern

Meaning and Origin of the Name Gwern

The name Gwern is a unique and intriguing name with a fascinating history. It is derived from the Welsh name ‘Gwern,’ used by the ancient Celts who inhabited the British Isles.

The meaning of Gwern is ‘bramble’ or ‘thorn.’ It is also believed to be derived from the Welsh word for ‘white,’ which could symbolize purity and innocence. It is also thought to be associated with the Welsh god of knowledge and wisdom, Gwydion.

Gwern means bramble or thorn
Gwern means bramble or thorn

The Popularity Of Gwern

Gwern was not in the top 100 baby boys’ names in Wales in 2022.

Gwern is also not a popular name in the United States, but it has gained some traction recently. According to the Social Security Administration, there were only 28 babies named Gwern in 2019, making it an extremely rare name.

Famous People Named Gwern

The most famous bearer of the name Gwern is Gwern, son of Matholwch and Branwen, in the Mabinogion tale of Branwen, Daughter of Llŷr. Gwern is a tragic figure, as he is killed by his sadistic uncle Efnysien, sparking a war between Britain and Ireland.

The name Gwern is a unique and beautiful name with a rich Welsh heritage. It is a good choice for parents who are looking for a name that is both meaningful and distinctive.

  1. Gwern Branwen: Branwen is a Welsh author and poet best known for her work on mythology and folklore.
  2. Gwern Nichol, a Welsh philosopher and theologian
  3. Gwern Thomas, a Welsh historian

Welsh tradition: Gwern is also associated with the Welsh Gwern is a popular name in Wales and is often associated with the Welsh tradition of storytelling.

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Vaughan

Origin and meaning of the name Vaughan

The name Vaughan is a Welsh name that has a long and rich history. It is thought to have originated from the Welsh word “bychan,” which means “small” or “little”. This was often used as a nickname for the younger son of a family, as a way to distinguish him from his older brother.

Vaughan likely originated from little.
Vaughan likely originated from bychan, meaning little.

Over time, the name Vaughan came to be used as a given name in its own right. It is now a popular name for boys in Wales, as well as in other parts of the world.

Famous people with the name

Vaughan is not that popular as a first name, the only famous person with the name we could find is, Vaughn Monroe, an American singer and bandleader.

The popularity of Vaughan is notable because most prominent people have named it their surname.

For example, Vaughan Gething is a known Welsh politician serving as the Minister of the economy. He has held the position since 2021. Before being the minister for the economy, Vaughan served as the minister for health and social services. Another example is Ralph Vaughan Williams, an artist just as the name dictates. He was born in 1872. He gravitated towards composing songs and poetry. He was famously known as an English composer. Vaughan Roderick is another Vaughan who specialises in arts. He is a television and radio presenter. He is also a news presenter who is famously known.

Traits of people called Vaughan

In addition to its strong Welsh roots, the name Vaughan also has a number of other positive qualities. It is a strong and confident name that is sure to make a good impression. It is also a relatively rare name, which means that your child will be one of the few with this name.

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Twm

Meaning and Origin of the Name Twm

The name Twm is a Welsh short form of Tomos. The meaning of Twm in English is Thomas, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Twm originating from Thomas was a disciple of Jesus.

Popularity

The name Twm has been in use in Wales for centuries. It was particularly popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and was borne by a number of notable figures, including Twm Siôn Cati, a semi-legendary rogue, and Twm o’r Nant, a poet.

In recent years, the name Twm has seen a resurgence in popularity. In 2022, it was the 101st most popular name for boys in Wales.

Famous People with the Name

Over the years, famous people have had this name dating from the 1700s. Twm o’r Nant was a poet and dramatist who lived between 1739 and 1810. It was a short form from the Welsh language of Thomas Edwards, also called Tom of Dingle. Twm o’r Nant was known for his many short plays or interludes.

Twm Siôn Cati is a part of Welsh mythology, tales about him dictate that he was born in 1530 around Tregaron. His mother, Cati Jones, gave him the name Thomas which in the Welsh language stands for Twm. In Wales, it was common for children to be nicknamed after their moms hence the name Twm Siôn Cati.

Twm Morys is a musician and poet born in 1961. He has studied the Welsh language at his A levels and is a graduate of the University of Wales in Celtic Studies. Twm Morys has worked as a researcher, lecturer, and writer for television and radio.

Variations

The name Twm has a number of variations in other languages, including:

  • Tom (English)
  • Thomas (Latin)
  • Tomas (Spanish)
  • Tommaso (Italian)
  • Thomas (German)
  • Toomas (Estonian)
  • Tomáš (Czech)
  • Tomek (Polish)
  • Tomaš (Croatian)
  • Tomislav (Serbian)

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Discover the meaning and popularity of other Welsh boys’ names.

Cadell

Meaning and Origin of the Name Cadell.

The name Cadell is the old name of a town in Wales. It means “king’s meadow.” A king from North Wales or England was said to have been wounded there during a battle with the Scots in 1093, and because of that wound was never able to rule. It came under Welsh control by marriage around 1101.

The meaning of Cadell is “king’s meadow” or “royal meadow.”

The name Cadell came from Celtic origins and is of Welsh origin. In Welsh, it would be spelled Cyngladd and Cwndell.[1] The town of Cadell was in the North Wales region.

The popularity of Cadell as a baby name for boys is at its peak and has been since 1880. The name reached its top rank of #119 in 1912 in the list of U.S. boy names in volume 3 of “What’s in a Name?” by Samuel S. Taylor.

It has since fallen out of favor. In 1991, It was ranked at #1478 and a ranking of #1164 in 2008. The name first appeared on the social charts in 1912–1913.[2]

Cadell Ddyrnllwg is considered the “first true Welsh prince of Wales” and ruled Cantref Mawr (southern Powys).

Cadell ap Gruffydd ap Cynan, also known as Cadell the Old, was a 7th-century King of Gwynedd.

Cadel Evans is an Australian cyclist.

Cadell gave King Arthur the sword Excalibur

Cadell, was the name of the man who helped King Arthur after the Battle of Camlann and gave him his sword, Excalibur.

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Discover the meaning and origin of other Welsh boys’ names.

Evan

Meaning and Origin of the Name Evan

Evan is a popular boy’s name in Wales. The name is short and sweet, with a strong, masculine sound. Originally, Evan/Evander originated from the Greek name Εὔανδρος.

The related name Evander means “to bring good news,”. So Evan can be thought of as a positive and strong name.

Evan means to bring good news
Evan means to bring good news

The surname name Evans (a popular surname in Wales) is derived from the Welsh for “son of Evan.”.

Popularity

Evan is a popular name in Wales and was in the top 100 boys’ names in 2021. This name reached the height of 72nd position where 49 babies were given this name (source ONS).

Famous People with the Name Evan

There are some really famous notable people called Evan.

Evan Williams, founder of the Internet service provider and online community known as the “Weird Web.’ In his teen years, he lived in Denver; Colorado worked as a computer programmer at a Long Island naval base. His early free time was spent surfing the beaches of Montauk.

Evan Price is known for his music and art. He has worked with the Seattle-based band God Deluxe and Swedish producer, Rixe. Together they have created several remixes and other tracks.

Evan Roberts was a Welsh religious leader in the late 1800s. He is credited with starting the era of mass religious revivals in Britain. He is the most thrilling and powerful evangelist Wales has ever produced.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Welsh boys’ names.

Griffin

Origin of Griffin

Griffin has been a popular name for centuries, with roots in ancient Greek and Welsh cultures. The name is Irish, derived from the Gaelic word for ‘strong lord.’ The Welsh origin would have come from the name Gruffudd.

Meaning Of Griffin

The meaning of the name Griffin is “strong lord.” It is associated with power, strength, and courage. It is also derived from a legendary creature called the Griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.

Griffin is associated with the meaning Strong Lord
Griffin is associated with the meaning Strong Lord

The Popularity Of Griffin

The name Griffin has been a popular choice for centuries, with origins in both ancient Greek and Welsh cultures. It is currently the 42nd most popular name in the United States. It is also a popular choice for boys in England and Wales. It has also been steadily increasing in popularity since the 1980s, likely due to its strong meaning.

In 2021, Griffin was not in the top 100 baby boys’ names in Wales, according to the ONS.

Famous People Named Griffin

  • Griffin Dunne: American actor, writer, and producer
  • The Invisible Man: A character from H.G. Wells’s science fiction novel

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Cefin

Meaning and Origin of the Name Cefin

Cefin is a Latin word meaning “leader” and was the name of a leatherworking trade guild in medieval Venice. The Cefin Guild still exists in that city as the Guild of St. Mark. The political position was not hereditary but rather awarded for individual merit or service to the state.

Cefin was thought to have been given to some who was a leader
Cefin was thought to have been given to some who was a leader

Kevin is a surname of Celtic origin, and the name Campbell is derived from the Greek word “Kampe,” which means “a bent elbow.” The name Campbell became common in Scotland during the High Middle Ages.

Cefin was changed to mean “knight” or “military leader” in the 15th century when Venice was a significant naval power. The title of Cefin was granted to those who distinguished themselves in maritime warfare.

The name Cefin comes from the ancient Celtic word cobb meaning “serpent,” and is found in the phonetic transcription of the name of the dragon Cucuphas, a giant serpent described in Greco-Roman mythology.

Popularity

Cefin was not in Wales’s top 100 baby boys’ names in 2021.

Famous People Call Cefin

Cefin Campbell of Menstrie was a Scottish soldier and statesman who served as President of the Board of Trade from 1763 to 1768. He was an influential advocate of the union between Scotland and England.

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Maddox

Meaning and Origin of the Name Maddox

Name Maddox is an English word that is a variant of the Welsh name Madoc. It means “Son of Madoc.”
The meaning of Maddox is the son of Maddock and is of Welsh origin, and Maddox is a vernacular form or regional variant of the name Madoc. Maddox is ranked out of the top 1000 names.

Popularity

Maddox may be more popular than you think, having made it into the top 90 names in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, respectively. The popularity of Maddox has steadily increased since the turn of the century.

According to US Social Security Administration, Maddox was the 42nd most popular male baby name of 2011. Maddox has been ranked in the top 100 in Scotland since 2007. In Wales, it is not among the top 100 names.

Famous People with the Name

Prince Madoc was a Welsh explorer who led an expedition to America in 1170. This was over 300 years before it was discovered by Christopher Columbus. Areas of note in North Wales are Porthmadog (Madog’s port) can Tremadog (Madoc’s town).

Porthmadog in North Wales
Porthmadog in North Wales (source https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6279574 John Firth)


Maddox is also the title of a famous novel by William Makepeace Thackeray.

Summary

Maddox may be considered a given name or a surname for either gender.
Maddox is a Welsh name that has only recently become popular in the United States.

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Discover the meaning and origin of other Welsh boys’ names.

Welsh Kings names

Some boys’ names are derived from former Welsh Kings names. The popularity of the names mainly depended on how much interest the kings aroused among chroniclers in other parts of Britain or Europe. Below are common Welsh boys names:

There have been some notable Welsh Kings names over the centuries
There have been some notable Welsh Kings names over the centuries

Idwal

The name means ‘Lord of the ramparts or wall.’ It was common in early lineages. However, the 2019 data show that its popularity is diminishing.

Hywel

Hywel is a sixteenth-century name that means ’eminent’ or ‘rich.’ It was the most popular boy’s name before 1974, but it is slowly reducing in popularity.

Llywelyn

The name is translated to mean ‘like a lion.’ It originated from Lleu, which means ‘light’ or ‘radiant.’ The name is not common nowadays in Wales.

Gruffydd

The name is thought to have originated from the old Welsh word ‘Gruffudd’ or ‘Griffith.’ It could mean either ‘the god of the earth’ or ‘severe lord.’ The word was used to refer chiefly to Gruffudd ap Llywelyn (1055-1063), a powerful king.

Dafydd

The name is translated to mean ‘dearly loved one’ or ‘beloved.’ It has been present in early lineages and remained popular into the modern period.

Owain

The name is translated to mean ‘young warrior’ or ‘well born.’ It was first used during the period of Owain Glyndŵr, and it remains popular today.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Welsh boys’ names.