Category Archives: name

Macsen


Macsen Name

Macsen is a charming Welsh boy’s name. On this webpage you will find the meaning of the name Macsen, its popularity and prominent people with the 1st name Macsen.

Meaning and Origin

Macsen is a Welsh name for Magnus.

Popularity

From the latest Welsh statistics, Macsen was not in the top 100 baby names in Wales in 2011.

Famous People Called Macsen

Macsen Wledig is the Welsh name for the Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus. He has legendary status in Welsh history.

Know any other famous people called Mascen post your comment at the bottom of this page.

Resources

  1. Our comprehensive list of Welsh boy’s names
  2. Save some money and check out these hot offer on Baby Products?
  3. Prefer a baby name book? We recommend the Best Baby Names 2013 book.

Bryn

Welsh Boy’s Name Bryn

Bryn is a short and sweet sounding Welsh name.  Here you will find information about the meaning and popularity of the name.

Meaning

The name Bryn means hill in Welsh. The name can also be a pet form of the name Brynmor.

Popularity

Bryn is a popular name, however it was not found in the top 100 baby boy’s names in Wales in the 2011 government study.

Famous People with 1st Name Bryn

We compiled a list of a few male celebrities with the first name Bryn:

  • Bryn Terfel – A Welsh opera and concert singer
  • Bryn West – A fictional character from the television series Gavin and Stacy
  • Bryn Fon – A popular Welsh language actor and singer
  • Bryn Williams – a Welsh head chef of the Odette’s Restaurant in London.

Useful Resources

Tristan

Name Tristan

Tristan is a common Welsh boy’s name.

Tristan Name Meaning

The boy’s name Tristan is a variant of the name Trystan which was made famous by the tale of Trystan ac Esyllt.

Popularity of the Name

Tristan is a fashionable name and it is currently in the top 100 infant’s name in Wales as per the ONS (actually in 96th position in 2011).

Famous People with the First Name Tristan

We couldn’t find too many people in the public eye with the name Tristan. If you know of anyone who merits a mention, post your notes in the comment field.

  • Tristan Fry – a professional drummer who has worked with the Beatles, Frank Sinatra amongst others.
  • Tristan Jones – is an author who likes writes about sailing.
  • Tristan Manco – is an author and graphic designer.

Useful Resources

See our Welsh boy’s list of names and they are great especially if you are looking for babies names.

Great offers on baby products can be found here.

Elis

Welsh Name Elis

Elis is a lovely and popular Welsh boy’s name,  this name can also be used as a surname.

Meaning of the Name

There are two different theories for the source of the name Elis:

  1. Elis is a Welsh variation of the names Elijah and Elias, stemming from the Hebrew name Eliyahu.
  2. From the early Welsh name Elise. Elis is linked to the Welsh word “elus,” meaning “kind” or “benevolent,” highlighting qualities of compassion and generosity.
Elis means generous
Elis means kind or generous

The anglicised version of the name is Ellis.

Popularity of Elis

Elis is experiencing a surge in popularity, ranking 56th most popular for boys in Wales in 2022. This trend indicates the growing appreciation for its simple yet impactful pronunciation and its rich tapestry of meanings.

Famous People Called Elis

We couldn’t find many famous people with the first name of Elis, however, the most famous person we found is Owain Elis James.

Owain Elis James is a Welsh comedian and actor born in Haverfordwest in West Wales. The Welsh-speaking standup comedian has starred in popular TV hit shows including the BBC programme Josh and Tourist Trap. Elis is a proud Jack (Swansea City supporter) and he often appeared in the show Josh wearing a classic replica t-shirt. He also performs on the Radio Wales podcast ‘Elis James’ Feast of Football’.

Elis Owen Gwynne: A 19th-century Welsh politician and landowner known for his social reforms.

Elis Elis: A young Welsh harpist who tragically passed away in 1979, leaving behind a legacy of musical brilliance.

Resources

See our comprehensive names list if you’re looking for other Welsh names -it’s great for Welsh boys’ names.

Ieuan

Ieuan is a popular male Welsh name. This name has remained a popular name over the decades in Wales.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Ieuan

Ieuan is the Welsh variant of the biblical name John, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name “Yochanan” meaning “God is gracious.” This spiritual meaning adds a layer of depth to the name’s character. The name originates from the Latin name Johannes.

The popularity of the name Ieuan

Ieuan’s popularity in Wales can be traced back centuries. It’s a direct translation of John, a name that has held widespread use throughout Europe for centuries.

Ieuan is a popular Welsh name however in 2021 Ieuan was not in the top 100 baby boys’ names in Wales. However, in 2013, Ieuan was the 90th most popular name in Wales and 596th in England and Wales combined.

Ieuan pronunciation

The name Ieuan looks like a difficult name to pronounce if you are not a Welsh speaker. It’s not too hard if you give it a try it’s literally YIGH-un.

Famous People

The name boasts a rich literary heritage in Wales. Several notable Welsh poets and figures bore the name Ieuan, including:

  • Ieuan ap Hywel Swrdwal, a 15th-century poet considered the first Welshman to write in English.
  • Ieuan Gethin, a 15th-century poet from Glamorgan.
  • Ieuan ap Iago (bardic name Evan James), the 19th-century poet who wrote the lyrics for the Welsh national anthem.
The Welsh rugby international Ieuan Evans
The Welsh rugby international Ieuan Evans

A more recent list of famous people with the 1st name called Ieuan include:

  • Ieuan Evans – was a Welsh and British Lions rugby player. He played on the wing for Llanelli and captained Wales.
  • Ieuan Thomas –was a Welsh athlete who was the British, European and Commonwealth 400m hurdling champion.
  • Ieuan Wyn Jones- is a Politician who was the deputy 1st leader of the Welsh Government and was the leader of Plaid Cymru.
  • Ieuan Lloyd – Welsh swimmer who represented Britain at the Olympics in London 2012 and Rio in 2016.

Resources

Ioan

Ioan Name

Ioan is a Welsh boy’s name and it is well known throughout the World especially because of the Hollywood A-list celebrity Ioan Gruffudd who appeared in the moves ‘Black Hawk Down’ and ‘King Arthur’.

Meaning of Ioan

Ioan is the Welsh name for John meaning ‘to be gracious’ (or Yahweh is Gracious).

Popularity of Ioan

Ioan was the 70th most common baby boy’s name in Wales in 2017 making it the 8th most popular traditional Welsh baby’s name.

Pronunciation of Ioan

Ioan is pronounced as ‘YO-an’.

Famous People

Here is a list of a few people with the 1st name Ioan. If you know any more famous people called Ioan please post your comments below:

  • The Hollywood actor Ioan Gruffudd
    The Hollywood actor Ioan Gruffudd

    Ioan Gruffudd – is a Hollywood A-List actor from Aberdare who has starred in many blockbusters including the Titanic, Black Hawk Down and The Fantastic Four.

  • Ioan Meredith – is a Welsh actor who has mainly worked on television productions.
  • Ioan Evan – was from Llanelli and was a Labour politician and member of parliament in the late 1960s.

Resources

Looking for a name for your baby? See our Welsh Names for Boys page.

You might also be interested in the name Iwan or Ieuan which area similar Welsh name to Ioan.

Iestyn

Name Iestyn

Iestyn (pronounced YES-tin), a handsome and enduring Welsh name, carries a powerful meaning that resonates throughout history. Here’s a closer look at its origin and significance.

Iestyn is a popular Welsh baby name and is and it has a rich history including Welsh rulers, musicians, and sportsmen.

Meaning of the Name

Iestyn is the Welsh form of the name Justin, which has Latin roots. The Latin name “Jutinus” is believed to be derived from the word “justus,” meaning “just” or “fair.” This meaning directly translates to Iestyn, making it a name that embodies ideals of fairness and righteousness.

Iestyn means fairness
Iestyn means fairness

Iestyn Pronunciation

The boy’s name Iestyn can be pronounced as ‘Yes-Tin’.

Popularity

Iestyn was the 75th most popular baby’s name in Wales in 2010 unfortunately in 2021 this name was not in the top 100 baby boys’ names.

Famous People Called Iestyn

The name Iestyn holds a place in Welsh history. Notably, Iestyn ap Gwrgant (1045-1093) was the last native Welsh ruler of the kingdom of Morgannwg. This association connects the name to a time of Welsh independence and leadership.

The rugby player Iestyn Harris
The rugby player Iestyn Harris

Here is a brief list of some famous people with the first name Iestyn:

  • Iestyn Harris – was a Welsh rugby league and union player who famously played for teams at Cardiff, Leeds, and Warrington.
  • Iestyn Davies – is a British classical singer
  • Iestyn Jones – is a Welsh actor who has appeared in the TV series Stella, Pobol y Cwm, and High Hopes.

Resources

Interested in Welsh boy’s names see our comprehensive list of names and tools to help you choose a Welsh name for baby boys.

Arwel

Name Arwel

Arwel is a popular Welsh boy’s name in Wales. On this page you’ll find information about the name including its meaning, popularity and famous people with the name Arwel.

Meaning of the Name

Arwel is a Welsh word that means prominent.

Popularity of Arwel

Arwel is a common name in Wales although it’s not currently in the top 100 baby boys names in Wales according to the latest statistics.

Famous People with the Name Arwel

Here is a list of a few people with the name Arwel.

  • Arwel Thomas – was a Welsh rugby player and TV pundit
  • Arwel Wyn Jones – Is a Welsh television production designer who has worked on many BBC programmes including Dr Who.
  • Arwel Richards – Welsh business man and journalist

If you know of other people who should be included in the list post your comments at the bottom of this page.

Resources

See our list of comprehensive Welsh boy’s names this is ideal if you are looking for a Welsh name for your baby.

The Name Cai

Cai is a Welsh boy’s name and it is particularly popular with parents looking for a name for their child.

Meaning/Origin of the Name

 A variant of Sir Kay, King Arthur’s foster brother and a prominent figure in Arthurian mythology. This link to legendary tales adds a touch of chivalry and adventure. Cai was thought to have magical powers and was one of Arthur’s 2 faithful companions. 

Another possible origin of the name is a diminutive form of the Roman name Caius, meaning “rejoice” or “happy.” This connection evokes a sense of joy and optimism.

Popularity of the Name

Despite its long history, Cai is enjoying a modern resurgence in Wales. In 2022, it ranked as the 48th most popular baby name for boys, making it the 12th most popular among specifically Welsh names. This trend seems poised to continue, indicating the enduring appeal of Cai.

Cai is also a common Chinese surname.

Famous People Called Cai

  • Cai Griffiths: is a London Irish rugby player who previously played for the Ospreys.
  • Cai Brigden: is an actor who has starred in the TV series Casualty.
  • Cai Devine: A Welsh rugby player known for his speed and skill.
Several people with the name Cai play rugby
Several people with the name Cai play rugby

There are not too many famous people called Cai, if you know of anyone who we’ve missed post your suggestions at the bottom of this page.

Symbolism:

The literal meaning of “rejoice” or “happy” imbues Cai with positive connotations. Additionally, its association with legendary figures like Sir Kay suggests qualities of bravery, loyalty, and nobility.

Resources

See our comprehensive list of Welsh boys’ names ideal if you are looking for a name for your baby.

Alun

Name Alun

Alun is a Welsh boy’s name. Here you’ll find the meaning, popularity and famous people with the first name Alun.

Meaning of the Name Alun

Was a hero of the ancient kingdom of Dyfed. Alun is also the name a river in Flintshire in North Wales.

Popularity of Alun

Alun is not in the latest list of the 100 top names for babies in Wales in 2011. However, it is common to find people called Alun in Welsh communities.

Famous People with the Name Alun

Here is a list of celebrities or famous people with the name Alun:

  • Alun Armstrong is an English actor who starred in the television programme ‘New Tricks’.
  • Alum Michael is a Welsh politician and he was the a Secretary of state for Wales.
  • Alun Wyn Jones is a Welsh international rugby player who plays for the Ospreys.

Resources

See our list of Welsh Boys Names to discover other beautiful Welsh names. A great resource if you are looking for a name for your baby.