The Etymology and Meaning of Cadwaladr

The masculine Welsh name Cadwaladr is in American English pronounced Cad-wal-adr, but in British English, Cad-waladr. The meaning of Cadwaladr is reportedly “battle-leader.”

Popularity of Cadwaladr

In the Goverment’s analysis of the most popular baby names, the name Cadwaladr was not in the top 100. Elsewhere, Oliver was cited as most popular in Wales in 2017, whereas Cadwaladr was a no-show in the top 10, and also was, quite possibly, absent from the top 100. 2018 proved no different for the legendary Welsh name.

Historical Persons Named Cadwaladr

Cadwaladr ap Cadwallon, whose name has been alternately spelt Cadwallader, was a Welsh monarch of Gwynedd during the period 655 AD to 682 AD. Of him who was reportedly a religious individual, Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote, albeit it is suspected the Roman Catholic cleric mistook this king of Gwynedd for Cædwalla of Wessex, thus confusing their histories.

Additionally, there is the warrior prince Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd, and he, alongside his brother Owain Gwynedd, invaded Ceredigion.

A wielder of pen rather than sword also bore the name, namely the Welsh poet Cadwaladr ap Rhys Trefnant. For him the chronological floruit designation of 1600 is posited.

Places related Cadwaladr can found in Aberffraw Angleysea in North Wales (Llangadwaladr) and Llangadwaladr in Mid Wales near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.

Useful Resources

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