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:

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.

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People are beginning to give their pets human names. These are some of the most popular Welsh male pet names that people are calling their pets.

Griffin – This is a pet that will be treated well. It means Lord or Prince.
Cefin – This is a name for a dog that means a little comely one. This is a popular name with smaller dog breeds.
Alwyn – This is a name for white dogs since it means great white and blessed.
Maddox – People name their dogs this name if they are looking for them to be show dogs or in competitions. The name translates to champion.
Cadell – This is for spunky dogs since it means the battle spirit.
Emyr – This is a dog name that translates to honour.
Arawn – This name is for dogs with a lot of energy and their wild spirit.
These are some of the most popular Welsh dog names. People are naming their dogs according to their appearance and the role that they play in the home.

Llew – the mighty lion in Welsh. A great name for a powerful and courageous dog.

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Welsh nicknames often take after the job or a relationship of the person. The Welsh language and culture are very descriptive, and many people especially in South Wales are fondly given a nickname by their friends. For example, ‘Bryn the milk’ was the nickname for the milk man or ‘Des the butcher’ for the local butcher. ‘Dai bungalow’ or ‘Dai Twp’ was the name of a person called David but wasn’t the brightest person around.

‘Welsh nicknames are a part of everyday life, for that matter any type of nickname is. You can find a good list of nicknames at your local library or online. During your search, you’ll probably some unusual ones that you might find interesting. Take for instance the nickname for the Welsh is Mush.

Here are some nicknames. John bad English, Mari Back Kitchen, Dai Bandy meaning bowed-legged Dai, Dai Bara Bwngy meaning square and stocky. These are just a few the are many more. Have a look at some yourself, you’ll get a kick out of it. Just go to any library or do an internet search. All too often we take nicknames for granted.

The use of nicknames seems to bring us closer to an individual. It brings us to a more intimate relationship with them. The use of ‘Welsh nicknames have been around a long time and will probably be around for a long time to come.

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John is a very popular name worldwide and is the 3rd most popular name in the US according to demographics from the Social Security Administration and the 12th most popular name in the world.

In Welsh, the name John is often referred to as Ieuan, Iwan, or, borrowed from English, Siôn, A popular form of tion. Ifan eventually became referred to in English as Evan.

Depending upon whether Welsh parents hold on to the Welsh traditions, or enjoy the more Anglo name John, all of these are very popular Welsh Names.

John is adopted from the Hebrew, meaning John is Yohanan, meaning “graced by God.” and is a name that evokes strength, intelligence, and kindness which are primary reasons why many parents name their child John or a derivative of John.

Whether you call a boy Ianto, Ioan, Sion, or any of the derivates, they are all Welsh names for John.

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The Welsh language is rich in its naming customs; this includes the practice of adding an ap suffix to Welsh children’s names. The prefix is the Welsh word for “son,” depending on context and meaning.

In Welsh, an ap is usually used as a male name, but it can be used as a female name. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but the meaning of this prefix is quite significant. It indicates that the child has been named in honour of a person, often a parent.

An example of its use is Maredudd ap Emyr, Maredudd son of Emyr.

Why do Welsh names have ap this is a unique way to honour your loved ones and gives the child a sense of honour as they mature. It’s also got some religious connotations – children whose names end with ab are often meant to be raised in piety and morality. While it’s common in Wales, the Welsh ap naming convention is not exclusive to Brits of Welsh ancestry. It has been used by parents honouring namesakes from other cultures as well.

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The English Meaning of Welsh Boys Names

There are many Welsh names for boys that are popular in the Wales and the rest of the World. Here are some popular names in Wales today with their meanings:

1. Alan means “saint”.
2. Bryn means “hill”.
3. Dewi and Dafydd are a form of David, which means “beloved”.
4. Charlie, meaning “having full rights”.
5. George, meaning “earth worker”.
6. Harri, meaning “house ruler”.
7. Jac, meaning “God is gracious”.
8. Jacob, meaning “supplanter”.
9. Logan, meaning “man from the hollow”.
10. Noah, meaning “restful, calm”.
11. Oliver, meaning “represents the Olive Tree”.
12. Theo, meaning “God given”.
13. Andras, meaning “manly, brave”.
14. Bowen, meaning “son of Owen’.
15. Cass, meaning “curly haired”.
16. Celtic, meaning “musical”.
17. Davy, a form of David, meaning “beloved and precious”.
18. Dylan, meaning “near the sea” or “healthy”.
19. Drystan, meaning “full of sorrow”.
20. Eliot, meaning “an old Welshman”.
21. Evan or Evans, meaning “God is good”.
22. Griff, Griffin and Griffith, meaning “Lord who has a strong grip on everything which is around him”.
23. Gwinne, meaning “perfection”

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Welsh people are a Celtic group whose history continues to thrive in Wales of the United Kingdom.

The Welsh language has survived over the centuries as well as common names passed on to their children. Here are a few common Welsh boys names and their meanings:

Common Welsh Boys Names

• Aled – the name of a river in the United Kingdom and a poet from the 15th century.
• Cai – means rejoice.
• Dafydd – means friend in Hebrew.
• Dylan – son of the sea.
• Elis – kind and benevolent.
• Iwan – God is gracious. This name is equivalent to the English name John.
• Gareth – meaning gentle person.
• Jac – God is gracious. This name is equivalent to the English name Jack.
• Osian – means little deer.

Though historically, the Welsh would present their sons’ names then say “of” and then say the father’s name, this tradition no longer exists in their community.

The most popular names that are used from year to year is always changing, so it is common to see the names change all the time. The most popular Welsh boys names in 2019 are what is going to be discussed here.

1. Oliver “olive tree”. This name was used 267 times and did not change positions.
2. Noah “rest or repose”. This name was used 239 times and did not change positions.
3. Charlie “ free man”. This name was used 211 times and rose 6 positions.
4. Jacob “seizing by the heel or supplanting”. This name was used 211 times and did not change positions.
5. Theo “gift of God”. This name was used 183 times and rose one position.
6. George “farmer”. This name was used 182 times and dropped two positions.
7. Leo “lion”. This name was used 169 times and rose two positions.
8. Arthur “bear. This name was used 168 times and rose ten positions.
9. Oscar “friend of deer”. This name was used 158 times and dropped four positions.
10. Alfie “wise counsel”. This name was used 157 times and dropped two positions.

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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.

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