60 Traditional and Popular Welsh boy names

Welsh baby boy names

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

Welsh boy names bear a rich cultural and historical significance, reflecting the heritage of Wales, a country with a deep Celtic tradition. These baby names often possess a lyrical quality, echoing the melodious Welsh language. Steeped in mythology and folklore, many Welsh names carry stories of ancient heroes and legendary figures.

Whether you're looking to honour your Welsh family with a traditional Welsh name or simply want something more unconventional, these Welsh boy names are the perfect for your babi. Scroll down to check out our favourite Welsh boy names and end all those baby-naming arguments for good...

Welsh boy names

Aeddan- The Welsh version of gender-neutral Aidan, Aeddan means little and fiery. We love this variation, and the meaning suits a little boy perfectly.

Bowen- Surnames as first names are a great way to pay homage to your Welsh roots. Bowen is a Celtic surname and can also act as an ode to the late great David Bowie.

Cadoc- If you see a future warrior in your little boy Cadoc is perfect, as it means battle. As a Welsh saint's name, it is not only unique but also has a biblical edge.

Dawson- Thanks to Dawson Creek, Dawson has had a meteoric rise in popularity since 1998. It has remained even after the show's demise as a strong Welsh name that means son of David.

Drystan- The Welsh variation of Tristram, and the name of a counsellor to King Arthur, we can see Drystan growing in popularity with the rise of Triston and Kirsten.

Evans- Another cool surname turned first name, Evans means the Lord is gracious. Take of the 's' if you want it to sound more conventional, although we love this Welsh variation.

Floyd- It might have an ageing meaning on grey-haired but this name is one and baby will love thanks to legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather. It could also be an ode to Pink Floyd for musical parents.

Gareth- Denoting modestly, Gareth means gentle and was the name of the brave knight in King Arthur's court. A popular Welsh name, it still reminds us of popstar Gareth Gates.

Idris- We are obsessed with this amazing name, meaning lord. It was virtually unknown before the great Idris Elba became a national treasure.

Jevon- An unusual Welsh variation on Evan, Jevon is not only unique but also has a touching meaning: gift of God. It can be spelt Jevan or, for the super unconventional, Yevan.

Lloyd- A more modern equivalent of Welsh original Llywd (pronounced 'lhoo-eed'), Lloyd is a great surname to use as a first name. It is more common in America, so is ready and waiting for UK parents to revive it.

Marvin- We are obsessed with this adorable old-fashioned name. You can embrace your Welshness or use it as an ode to the legendary Marvin Gaye, your choice!

Parry- A variation on Harry, even meaning son of Harry, Parry is a common Welsh name.

Ellis- Another popular Welsh name, Ellis is a great gender-neutral choice that means benevolent. It has great nickname potential with El and Ellie

Tarian- This unique Welsh baby name is gender-neutral and is often used for girls in Wales. However, we think it makes a great boy's name with a suiting meaning of shield.

Trystan- A Welsh variation on Tristan, which is originally Celtic, Trystan is a more unique option. You may be setting yourself up for a noisy few years though, as Trystan means noise.

Yale- This unusual name also has an unconventional meaning of fertile upland. It may also be a good omen if you want a super academic child as it's also the name of an Ivy League university in the USA.

Rhys- Another popular Welsh baby boy name, Rhys means ardour (great enthusiasm) and is a great more conventional choice. Increasing in popularity because of actor Rhys Ifans and as the middle name of Jonathon Rhys Meyers, it's a charming traditional choice.

Owen- This great traditional Celtic name means young warrior and has maintained its place at the top of baby name charts for decades. The name of St. Owen, a Benedictine monk, it also has religious meaning for many parents.

Glyn- A great variation on Glenn, Glynn is an adorable Welsh baby boy name. It's extremely popular in Wales and we love how traditional it is.

Merlin- Another adorable baby name, Merlin is the name of a famous fifth-century sorcerer with a TV show of the same name. Meaning sea fortress, it is also a great gender-neutral name.

Bryn- We are obsessed with this super cute Welsh baby boy name. Meaning hill, it is a great traditional name.

Unusual Welsh boy names

Cai

Seren

Llyr

Ianto

Gethin

Eifion

Gwyn

Elgan

Owain

Caradoc

Hywel

Madoc

Taliesin

Rhodri

Aneirin

Gwilym

Bedwyr

Llewelyn

Meirion

Dafydd

Myrddin

Gwion

Cynan

Emrys

Gwern

Iestyn

Einion

Lleu

Macsen

Idwal

Llywelyn

Emlyn

Nerys

Tegid

Cadfan

Eilif

Iwan

Branoc

If none of these have made it to your baby name list, try our baby name generator to find lots more suggestions. Alternatively, if you could be expecting a girl, we've got lots of lovely Welsh girls names for you to take a look at too. Or if you simply want an adorable name, check out these cute baby names.

A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbertis the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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