Celtic Male Names of Wales
Unless otherwise noted, all meanings are from Middle Welsh.
Accalon a champion from Gaul and the lover of Morgan le Fay in the Arthurian sagas. They plotted to steal Excalibur, but Merlin helped Arthur to beat Accalon in battle.
Adda Welsh version of Adam, "of the red earth".
Aedd from the Irish aedh "fire"; also a name of a king of Ireland. Shortened form of Aeddan.
Aeddan Welsh form of Aidan.
Aglovale son of King Pellinore, who Lancelot accidentally killed when Lancelot rescued Guinevere.
Albanwr "one from Scotland".
Alun Welsh; possibly cognate of Alan. Also a river name in Wales spelled Alyn.
Alwyn Welsh version of Alvin, "friend of all"; also the name of a river in Wales.
Amaethon name of the son of the goddess Donn in Welsh legends.
Amerawdwr from a word meaning "emperor".
Amhar name of a son of Arthur in obscure Welsh legends.
Amlawdd name of the father of Goleuddydd in Welsh tales.
Amren name of the son of Bedwyr in Welsh Arthurian sagas.
Amynedd "patient". Amyneddgar.
Andreas Welsh form of Andrew. Andras.
Aneirin "honorable" or "golden"; of uncertain original derivation. Original form Neirin, with the "A" added in the 13th C; may be derived from Irish Gaelic nαri "noble, modest". The name also appears in Welsh mythology. Aneurin (modern form), pet form Nye.
Angawdd name of the son of Caw in legends.
Angor form the Welsh word for "anchor".
Anir listed as a son of King Arthur in the sagas; vaguely hinted in the stories that he was killed by Arthur and buried in Wales at Licat Amir. Amr.
Anwas name of the father of Twrch in ancient legends.
Anwell from the word for "beloved". Anwil.
Anynnawg legendary name of the son of Menw.
Anyon from the Welsh word for "anvil".
Ap- one of the prefixes used to denote "son of", as is "O" in Ireland and "Mac" in Ireland and Scotland.
Arawn (AR-awn) in mythology, the god of Annwn (an-OON), the Underworld, but not associated with terror or eternal punishment. It later became the underground kingdom of the dead.
Arglwydd from the word meaning "lord".
Arian "silver"; masculine version of Arianrhod.
Arianwyn (ah-ree-AHN-win) from Welsh arian "silver" + gwyn "shining, holy".
Arthur (AHR-thir) from Celtic artos "bear", poss. from Latin name Artorius. Name of the legendary king and culture hero of the Welsh, Cornish, and Bretons. Arthwr, Arthvawr.
Arvel "wept over".
Avagdu "utter darkness"; son of the goddess Cerridwen and god Tegid Foel. Afagddu, Morfran (great crow).
Avaon in Welsh tradition, the name of Taliesin's son.
Awstin from the Welsh word for "august"; also a version of Austin, a contracted form of the Latin Augustinus.
Baddon "one from Baddon".
Barri (BAHR-ee) prob. from Welsh bar "mound, summit, dune"; perhaps from the word for "boar". Island of Barry off Glamorgan coast is named for the 6th C. hermit, St. Barri, who took refuge there. The island became a popluar pilgrimage destination after his death.
Barris "son of Harry". Barrys.
Baudwin one of the later Knights of the Round Table, he came from Brittany ans was a very skilled surgeon. He survived the battle of Camlan, and became a hermit.
Beda Welsh version of Bede, a famous monk and historian.
Bedwyr name of one of King Arthur's companions to whom he sometimes entrusted Excalibur.
Bedyw name of the son of Seithved in legends.
Beli name of an Irish sun god (Bel), also known in Wales. In later tales, Beli was the brother-in-law of the Virgin Mary. The original Beli was connected closely with the druids and their rituals. Beltane is his festival, May 1. Beli Mawr, Belenus, Belinus.
Bellieus a Knight of the Round Table who fought Lancelot over an incident with his wife.
Benedigeidfram "blessed"; applied to the god Bran. A giant in Welsh mythology, Bran the Blessed was brother of goddess Branwen.
Bercelak known as the Green Knight in Arthurian stories.
Berth name of the son of Cadwy in legends.
Berwyn the son of Kerenhyr in ancient tales.
Beven "son of Evan" or "youthful".
Blair "place". Blayre, Blaire.
Blaise Merlin's mysterious teacher, he lived in Northumberland.
Blathaon legendary name of the son of Mwrheth.
Bleddyn (BLETH-in) from Welsh blaidd "wolf" + dim. suffix -yn. Related Welsh wolf names: Bledri (BLED-ree): blaidd + rhi "king". The slang name Wolf was applied to both warriors and outlaws in Wales.
Bledri (BLED-ree) from Welsh blaidd "wolf" + rhi "king" = "leader of the warriors or outlaws".
Bleidd (BLAYTH) "wolf".
Bleiddian (BLATH-yahn): blaidd "wolf" + -ian, verbal ending, "one who goes wolfing, i.e. looting, raiding".
Bogart "bof" or "marshland"; a name in both Ireland and Wales.
Bors son of the king of Benoic and cousin to Lancelot. He was one of the best Knights of the Round Table along with Galahad and Perceval.
Bowen "son of Owen". Bowie, Bowe.
Brad from the word for "treason".
Bradwen name of the son of Moren in ancient legends.
Bradwr "traitor"; variant of Brad.
Bran (BRAN) from Welsh for "raven" or "crow". Famous bearer-Bran Bendigeidfran (Bran the Blessed) in the Second Branch of the Mabinogi.*
Brastias originally a knight in Cornwall, he was one of Arthur's captains, and later Warden of the North.
Brathach name of the son of Gwawrddur in old tales.
Brian legendary name of the son of Turenn.
Broderick "son of the famous ruler". The name ap-Roderick appears often, signifying "son of Roderick".
Bryn (BRIN) from Welsh for "hill". Popular for boys. Brynn, Brynley, Brinley (BRIN-lee).
Brys legendary name of the son of Brysthach.
Bwlch name of the son of Cleddyv Kyvwlch in old tales.
Caddoc "battle-sharp" or "eager for war".
Cadell from a word meaning "spirit of the battle" or "battler".
Cadellin name of the son of Gweir in legends.
Cadeyrn (KAHD-ayrn) from Welsh cad "battle" + teyrn "prince".
Cadfael (KAHD-file or KAHD-vil) either from words cad "battle" + ban "summit", or cad + mael "prince". Cadfan, Cadoc.
Cadfan (KAHD-vahn) from Welsh cad "battle" + ban "summit". 6th C. saint associated with a healing well.
Cadman "warrior". Cadmon.
Cadoc (KAHD-ok) from Welsh cad "battle". Originally a nickname for Cadfael. Cadoc was the name of one of the most important Welsh saints. St. Cadoc was carried on a cloud to Northern Italy, where he became a bishop and was martyred.
Cadwaladr (kahd-WAHL-ah-der) from Welsh cad "battle" + gwalar "ruler, leader". 7th C. saint and ruler of northern kingdom of Gwynedd.
Cadwallen "battle dissolver".
Cadwgawn legendary name of the son of Iddon.
Cadwr name of the son of Gwryon in old tales.
Caer Llion "one from Caerleon (Castle of the Lion)".
Caerwyn (KIR-win or KAYR-win) from Welsh caer "fort" + gwyn "shining, holy".
Cai (KAY) Usu. derived from Latin name Caius, poss. similar with Irish cai (coi) "path, way"; other sources say it means "rejoicer". Cai was described as King Arthur's closest companion. In the 10th C. poem, Pa gur yw y porthawr, Cai killed nine witches and rid the island of Anglesey of a fierce monster call the Palug Cat. Cei, Caius, Caw.
Cain "clear water".
Cairn the Welsh word for a pile of stones used as a landmark. Carne.
Calcas name of the son of Caw in legends.
Calder "brook or stream".
Caledvwich the name of Excalibur in Welsh legends.
Cane from a Welsh word for "beautiful". Kane.
Cant "white". Kent.
Caradawg name of Eudav's father in old tales.
Caradoc "beloved". Craddock, Cradoc.
Carey "from the castle". Cary, Caerau.
Carnedyr legendary name of the son of Govynyon.
Cas name of the son of Seidi in legends.
Casnar name of a nobleman in old tales.
Casswallawn according to legends, the name of the son of Beli.
Caw a name from old legends.
Cei possibly derived from a word meaning "fiery", others believe it means "keeper of the keys". Kai, Kay, Kei.
Ceith "wood-dweller" or "dwells in the woods". Keith, Keath, Keithon.
Ceithin name of the uncle of Lugh in old tales.
Celyn (KEL-in) Welsh word for "holly". Celyn ap Caw (son of Caw) was a member of Arthur's court in the medievel tale Kulhwch and Olwen. Kelyn.
Cenn "clear water". Kenn.
Cenyon "from Ennion's mound". Kenyon.
Cerdic "beloved". Ceredig.
Ceri (KER-ee) Name of two rivers, one in Dyfed and on in Glamorgan. May come from Welsh caru "to love"; male or female name.
Cerwyn (KER-win) possibly means "black" or "white".
Cian (KEE-an) possibly from Welsh ci (cwn) "hound, wolf", or from Old Irish cian "ancient, enduring". Cian is known as on of the five Cynfeirdd, founding poets of Welsh tradition, although none of his poems have survived. Kian.
Cilydd legendary name of Celyddon's son. Kilydd.
Clust name of the son of Clustveinydd in legends.
Clyde "loud voiced", "heard from afar", or "warm". Clywd.
Cnychwr name of the son of Nes in old tales.
Coed "dwells in the woods".
Colgrevance a Knight of the Round Table who was slain when the Knights tried to capture Lancelot while he was in Guinevere's chamber.
Collen (KOLH-en) Welsh word for "hazel tree". Name of a 6th C. saint.
Colwyn name of a Welsh river.
Conwy (CON-oo-ee) personal name from the river in northern Wales, from the Irish Gaelic name Connmhaighe, "hound of the plain".
Cradelmass a king of north Wales whom Arthur defeated at tge start if his reign.
Crist from the word "Christian".
Cubert lengendary name of the son of Daere.
Culhwch (COOL-oo) son of Kilydd in old tales.
Culvanawd name of the son of Gwryon in old tales.
Custenhin legendary name of Erbin's father.
Cymry (KUM-ree) "from Wales"; the Welsh people's name for themselves.
Cynan (KUHN-ahn) from Celtic kuno "great, high". Popular in Medieval Wales. Kynan, Kynon. Kynon is the name of Clydno's son in ancient tales.
Cynbal "warrior chief". Cynbal.
Cyndrwyn legendary name of Ermid's son. Kyndrwyn.
Cynedyr name of the son of Hetwn in legends. Kynedyr.
Cynlas name of Kynan's son in old tales. Kynlas.
Cynwal name of one of Caw's sons. Kynwal.
Cynwyl name of a very early Welsh saint. Kynwyl.
Cystennin from the word "constant".
Dafydd (DAH-vith) "dearly beloved"; Welsh form of David. St. David is patron saint of Wales. Nicknames: Dafi (DAH-vee); Dai (DII); Deian (DAY-an); Deio (DAY-oh); Dewi (DE-wee).
Dagonet name of King Arthur's jester, who was made a knight and excelled in bravery during many tournaments.
Dalldav son of Cunyn Cov in old legends.
Daned son of Oth in old tales.
Davis "son of David"; variant of Dafydd.
Deiniol (DAYN-yol) Welsh form of Daniel. St. Deiniol was active in late 6th C. in N. Wales.
Deverell "from the riverbank".
Dewey "beloved"; form of David.
Digon son of Alar in old tales.
Dillan "faithful"; form of Dillon, Dylan.
Dillus legendary name of the Eurei's son.
Dilwyn "shady place". Dillwyn.
Dinadan a Knight of the Round Table who had a sense of humor, and loved to play jokes on the other Knights. He was later killed by Mordred.
Dirmyg legendary name of one of Caw's sons.
Dremidydd the father of Drem in old tales.
Drew "wise". Dru, Dryw.
Druce "son of Dryw". Drywsone.
Drudwas name of Tryffin's son in old tales.
Drwst obscure name from Welsh tales.
Drych legendary name of the son of Kibddar.
Drystan Welsh version of Tristan, "full of sorrow".
Duach name of Gwawrddur's son in old legends.
Dylan (DIL-un or DUHL-an) Welsh word for "ocean, sea, the deep". In Mabinogi, Dylan eil Ton (Sea Like a Wave) was a son of Arianrhod. Welsh-born 20th C. poet Dylan Thomas was one of the finest English language poets. Dillan, Dillon.
Dyvynarth legendary name of the son of Gwrgwst.
Dyvyr name of Alun's son in ancient stories.
Dywel legendary name of the son of Erbin.
Earwine "white river". Erwyn.
Ector Ector of the Forest Sauvage was Arthur's foster father in the Arthurian sagas.
Edern name of the son of Nudd in legend.
Ehangwen a name from old legends.
Eiddoel name of Ner's son in old tales.
Eiddyl name of unknown meaning in legends.
Eiladar legendary name of Penn Llarcan's son.
Einion "anvil". Einian.
Eiryn name of Peibyn's son in old stories.
Eivyonydd a name out of old tales.
Elis (EL-is) Welsh form of Elijah, from Greek Elias. Ellis (ELHis).
Elphin name of the son of Gwyddno in old legends; in Taliesin stories, he rescued the infant Gwion Bach, later named Taliesin, from a salmon weir.
Emhyr "ruler". Emyr.
Emlyn (EM-lin) from Latin aemilianus "flattering, charming"; some sources say "waterfall".
Emrys (EM-rees) Welsh form of English Ambrosius, from Greek Ambrosios "immortal"; Emryus was an epithet of the magician and poet Myrddin (Merlin).
Ennissyen a giant Welshman related to Bran the Blessed and started the war with the Irish, which led to the death of Branwen and her son.
Eoin "young warrior"; form of Evan.
Erbin legendary name of Custinhin's son.
Ergyryad name of one of Caw's sons in old tales.
Ermid name of the son of Erbin in legends.
Eryi "from Snowdon".
Eudav son of Caradawg in ancient stories.
Eurosswydd name in old Welsh tales.
Eus name of Erim's son in legends.
Evan (EV-ahn) Welsh form of John. Ioan (YOH-ahn); Ianto (YAHN-toh); Iwan (YEW-ahn); Eoin, Ieuan (YAY-ahn).
Evnissyen (ev-NESS-yen) "lover of strife". Half-brother of god Bran in ancient legends.
Evrawg "from York".
Evrei name out of old stories.
Fercos name of Poch's son in old legends.
Fflam legedary name of the son of Nwyvre.
Fflergant legendary naem of one of Brittany's kings.
Fflewdwr name of the son of Naw in old stories.
Ffodor son of Ervyll in old tales.
Ffowc "of all the people".
Ffransis (FRAWN-sis) Welsh form of Francis. Nickname Frank is Ffranc in Welsh.
Fyrsil version of Virgil, "bears the staff". Fferyll.
Galahad illegitimate son of Lancelot and Elaine; a pure knight who surpassed his father's deeds of valor and died when he saw the Holy Grail.
Galehodin Lancelot's brother; he became the Duke of Saintongue.
Gamon a name from old stories.
Gandwy a name in ancient legends.
Garanhon legendary name of Glythvyr's son.
Gareth (GAHR-eth) from Welsh gwaraidd "civilized, gentle"; other sources have the meaning "powerful with the spear" from an Anglo-Saxon word. Tennyson used the name for a knight of King Arthur's in his Idylls of the King.
Garnock "dwells by the alder tree river".
Garselid a name from old legends.
Garwyli name of Gwyddawg Gwyr's son in old legends.
Garym a name from old stories.
Gavin "white hawk" or "hawk of the battle".
Gawain a Knight of the Round Table, and a son of Lot and Morgause of Orkney. He was also known as Gwalchmai, "Hawk of May".
Geraint (GER-iint) from Celtic Gerontios similar to Greek gerontius "old". Geraint mab Erbin was hero of a medieval Welsh romance. A knight of the Round Table, renowned for his prowess in tournaments, the way he won his wife Enid. Also said to have beeen the king of Cornwall. A Welsh elegy to Geraint mab Erbin dates c. 900, and also mentioned as a warrior in the Gododdin.
Gerallt (GER-alht) Welsh form of Gerald.
Gerwin "fair love". Gerwyn.
Gethin (GETH-in) from Welsh cethin "dark, dusky". Geth.
Gilbert legendary name of the son of Cadgyffro.
Gildas (GIL-dahs) 6th C. monk and saint Gildas was the author of De excidio Britanniae (The Destruction of Britain), in which he blamed his fellow Welsh for allowing Anglo-Saxons to overrun Britain. St. Gildas venerated in Brittany as St. Gweltas and credited there for performing numerous miracles.
Gilvaethwy name of one of the goddess Donn's sons. He lusted after his Uncle Math's virgin foot-holder and caused a war between Gwynedd and Dyfed in an attempt to get her. His punishment was to undergo shapeshifts into various animals, and to bear young.
Gleis legendary name of Merin's son.
Glendower "one ofr Glyndwer". Glyndwer.
Glew name of Ysgawd's son in old stories.
Glewlwyd Arthur's gatekeeper in the Culhwch and Olwen myth.
Glinyeu name of Taran's son in legends.
Glyn (GLIN) "one who lives in the glen or valley"; from Welsh glyn "valley".
Glythvyr a name in ancient tales.
Gobrwy name of Echel Pierced Thighs in old stories.
Gofannon on of the goddess Donn's sons. He was a god of blacksmiths and the equal of the Irish Goibniu.
Gogyvwlch a legendary name of unknown meaning.
Goreu legendary name of one of the sons of Custinhin (or Custennin) and an unnamed woman who was Igraine's sister.
Gorlois the Duke of Cornwall and Igerna's husband, the woman whom Uther Pendragon coveted. Father of Morgan, Morgause, and Elaine.
Gormant name of Rica's son in old tales.
Goronwy (gohr-ON-wee) from Welsh gwr "man". Goronwy Owen (1723-1769) was an 18th C. Welsh language renaissance poet; emigrated to the colonies and died in Virginia. Also Goronw (gohr-ON-oo); Gronw (GROHN-oo).
Gorsedd "from the mound".
Govan name of one of Caw's sons in old legends.
Govannon son of the goddess Donn in old legends; he was a smith-god.
Govynyon a name from old legends.
Gowther a hero in Arturian tales who tames his savage disposition by penances.
Granwen name of one of Llyr's sons in legends.
Greid legendary name of Eri's son.
Greidyawl obscure name from old tales.
Griffin (GRIFF-in) from the mythological beast. From Welsh cryf "strong" + udd "lord". Several medieval rulers bore the variant Gruffudd.
Griffith (GRIF-ith) from Welsh cryf "strong" + udd "lord"; possibly also "red-haired". Gruffudd, Gruffydd.
Griflet name of one of the first Knights; King Arthur accepted him even though he was very young.
Gromer a powerful shapeshifter and magician who captured Arthur in the story of Gawain and Dame Ragnell.
Gronw Pebr lover of Blodeuwedd, and rival of Llew.
Gruddyeu name of Muryel's son in legends.
Gruffen "fierce lord". Gruffyn.
Guinglain only legitimate son of Gawain and Lady Ragnall; a Knight of the Round Table, and killed by Lancelot.
Gusg legendary name of Achen's son.
Gwalchmei "Hawk of May" or "hawk of the battle". Legendary name of Gwyar's son. Gavan, Gaven, Gavin.
Gwalhaved name of one of Gwyar's sons in old legends.
Gwallawg name of Llenawg's son in old tales.
Gwallter Welsh version of Walter, "strong fighter".
Gwarthegydd name of one of Caw's sons in old legends.
Gwawl legendary name of Clud's son; at one time betrothed to the goddess Rhiannon before she married Pwyll.
Gwern "old". The name of Branwen's son by Irish King Matholwch; the infant was thrown into a fire and killed by Branwen's half-brother Ennissyen.
Gwevyl name of Gwastad's son in legends.
Gwilym (GWIL-im) Welsh version of William.
Gwion Bach original name of Taliesin.
Gwitart name of Aedd's son in ancient stories.
Gwrddywall legendary name of Evrei's son.
Gwres name of Rheged's son in old tales.
Gwyddawg name of Menestyr's son in old tales.
Gwyddno (GWITH-noh) from Welsh gwyd "knowledge" + gno "fame".
Gwydion (GWID-yon) from Welsh gwyd "knowledge" + -on, divine ending. Gwydion ap Don was a powerful magician in the Mabinogi. In Welsh, Caer Gwydion (Gwydion's Castle) is the Milky Way.
Gwydre name of one of Arthur's sons in old legends.
Gwyglet name of a hero in the epic The Goddoddin; he fought and died in the battle of Catreath (Catterick).
Gwyn (GWIN) from Welsh gwen, gwyn "white, shining, holy". Gwyn ap Nudd was the leader of the Wild Hunt and the lord of lost souls.
Gwyneira (gwin-AYR-ah) from Welsh gwyn "shining, holy" + eira "snow".
Gwynn ap Nudd began as a deity, Lord of the Underworld and leader of the Wild Hunt. He kidnapped Creiddylad, causing a battle with Gwythyr ap Greidawl, her betrothed. Later, he was known as King of the Fairies and the Plant Annwn, subterranean fairies. Medieval tales say the entrance to his kingdom is in Galstonbury Tor.
Gwyr "from Gower".
Gwythyr son of Greidyawl in old legends; also the name of the lord of the Upperworld.
Hafgan (HAHV-gahn) from Welsh haf "summer" + can "song"; male or female name. Name of an Otherworld deity who annually fights Arawn for rulership of the Underworld.
Heddwyn (HETH-win) from Welsh hedd "peace" + gwyn "shining, holy". Hedd Wynn was the bardic name of Ellis Evans (1887-1917), a poet and soldier killed in Flanders during WWI; and posthumously won the chair at the 1917 Eisteddfod. His life has become a symbol of the futility of war.
Hefaidd Hen name of Rhiannon's fahter in ancient legends, he ruled part of the Underworld.
Heilyn name of Gwynn's son in old legends.
Hen Beddestyr legendary name of Erim's son.
Hen Was "old servant".
Hen Wyneb "old face".
Heulfryn (HIIL-vrin) heul "sun" + bryn "hill".
Heulyn (HIIL-een) "ray of sunshine".
Howell "remarkable" or "attentive"; "alert one". Howell.
Huw (HYOO) Welsh version of Hugh, from Old German hugi "intelligence, spirit". Hew, Hewe, Hu.
Hywel (HUH-wel) from Welsh hywel "eminent". Hywel Dda (Hywell the Good) was a 10th C. king of Wales. Made the druids' oral legal tradition into a written code of law. Anglicized Howell.
Iago (EE-ah-goh) Welsh version of James, "god's gift" or "supplanter".
Iau Welsh version of Zeus.
Iddawg name of Nynyo's son in old legends.
Idris "eager lord". Idriss, Idriys.
Iestyn Welsh version of Justin, "one who is just".
Ieuan (YAY-an) from Latin Johannes. Ieuan is the Welsh version of John, "god is gracious". Ioan (YOH-uhn), Iwan.
Ifor Welsh version of a Teutonic name meaning "archer".
Inek Welsh version of Irvin.
Iolo (YOH-loh) Nickname for Iowerth. Iolo Morganwg (Iolo or Glamorgan) was the bardic name of Edward Williams (1747-1826), stonemason, poet, scholar, and initiator of the National Eisteddfod.
Iona name of a French king in old legends; also the Celtic name for the Isle of Anglesey off the northern Wales coast.
Iowerth (YOH-wayrth) from Norse ior "lord" + Welsh gwerth "value, worth". Used as the Welsh version of Edward since the Middle Ages.
Irvin "white river". Irv, Inek, Irving.
Ithel "generous lord".
Iustig name of one of Caw's sons in old legends.
Jestin Welsh version of Justin.
Jones "son of John". Joenns.
Josue Welsh version of Joshua.
Lancelot du Lac son of King Ban of Benoic in France, Galahad's father, Knight of the Round Table and an unbeatable warrior. His affair with Queen Guinevere caused the death of many knights and the destruction of King Arthur's kingdom.
Lavaine in old Arthurian legend, he was a young Knight and son of Sir Bernard of Astolat. He was knighted by Lancelot and became one of the greatest Knights of the Round Table.
Leodegrance name in old tales given as the King of Cameliard, who was Guinevere's father.
Lionel a Knight of the Round Table, cousin to Lancelot, and brother to Bors.
Llacheu name of one of Arthur's illigitimate sons by Lysanor in ancient legends. Borre, Boare, Lohot.
Llara from a word meaning "meek".
Lleu a Welsh sun god Llew Llaw Gyffes, son of Arianrhod and an unnamed father and raised by his uncle Gwydion.
Llevelys legendary name of Beli's son.
Lloyd "one with gray hair". Loy, Llwyd, Loyde.
Lludd "from London" or from the god Llud Llaw Ereint (similary to Irish Nuada and Greek Neptune). Llundein.
Llwch Llawwyanawc a warrior who went with Arthur to retreive the great cauldron when it was stolen and taken to Annwn.
Llwybyr legendary name of one of Caw's sons.
Llwyd (LHOO-eed) from Welsh llwyd "grey, holy". Lloyd.
Llwydeu name of Nwython's son in old stories.
Llwyr legendary nae of the Llwyryon's son.
Llyn "from the lake".
Llyr "of the sea"; a Welsh sea and water god, similar to Irish Lir. Listed as father of Bran and Branwen. Lear.
Llywelyn (lhu-WEL-en) from Welsh llwy "leader, steerer" + eilun "image". Nicknames Llelo (LHE-loh) and Llew (LHE-oo), which is also Welsh for "lion". Llewellyn.
Lot king of Orkney and Lothian and husband of Morgause. Lotha.
Lovel one of Gawain's illigitimate sons who was killed by Lancelot.
Lug Welsh version of Luke, "the bringer of light". Luc.
Mabon "the son"; name of a mysterious child in the Arthurian sagas; he was stolen from his mother at three days old and imprisoned at Gloucester. His story is told in Culhwch and Olwen.
Mabsant legendary name of one of Caw's sons.
Macsen (MAK-sen) from Latin name Maximus. Maxen Wledig (Lord Maxen) was a 4th C. Spanish-born general who led the remnants of the Roman army out of Britain to claim the emperorship and was briefly successful. Maxen.
Madawg name of Teithyon's son in old legends. Madoc.
Maddox "the benefactor's son".
Madoc (MAH-dog) from British mad "fortunate, lucky". In legend, Madog ap Owain Gwynedd colonized N. America in the late 12th C.
Mael legendary name of Roycol's son.
Maelgwn (MAYL-goon) "prince of the hounds"; from Welsh mael "divine prince" + ci (cwn) "wolf, hound". Maelgwn Gwynedd was a 6th C. Welsh king.
Maelogan (may-LOH-gahn) "divine prince"; from Welsh mael "prince" + -on, a divine ending. Maelon (MAY-lon).
Maelwys name of Baeddan's son in old tales.
Mallolwch name of the legendary king of Ireland who married Branwen.
Malvern "bare hill".
Manawydan name of sea god Llyr's son; equal to Irish god Manannan mac Lir. He was a skilled shapeshifter and keppt the Isle of Man and the Isle of Arran under his protection; and broke the enchantment on Dyfed.
March (MAHRX) from Welsh march "horse". Name of King Mark in the Welsh version of the Tristan saga, in which he is known as March ap Meirchion (Horse, Son of Horses). The horse was a symbol of kingship in Celtic culture. Mark, Marc.
Marrock a knight who was secretly a werewolf.
Math (MAHTH) from Celtic math "bear". According to the Mabinogi, Math ap Mathonwy (MAHTH mahth-ON-oo-ee) was king of N. Wales and a powerful magician; and helped creat a flower-wife for his great-grandson Llew.
Mawrth Welsh version of Mars, a Roman god of war.
Medyr legendary name of Medyredydd's son.
Meical (MAYK-al) Modern Welsh form of Michael. Older form Mihangel (mi-HAHNG-el); nickname Meic (MAYK).
Melkin a pre-Merlin prophet and poet mentioned in the Annals of Glastonbury Abbey.
Menw name of Teirwaedd's son in old tales.
Mercher Welsh form of Mercury, Roman messenger of the gods.
Meredith (me-RED-ith) from mawr "great, big" + udd "lord"; other sources give the meaning "guardian from the sea". It was also the name of many medieval Welsh princes.
Merlin "by the sea". The great sorcerer of the Arthurian sagas; his father was from the Otherworld, his mother was earthly. Legend says he learned all his magic from Nimue (also known as Morgan, Viviane, Lady of the Lake, and Queen of the Fairies); old legend says he is guardian of the Thirteen Treasures of Britain that he locked in a glass tower on Bardsey Island. Welsh tradition says Myrddin still sleeps in a hidden crystal cave. The Welsh name Myrddin means "hawk".
Meurig "dark skinned"; Welsh version of Morris or Maurice.
Mil name of Dugum's son in old tales.
Modred name of King Arthur's son by Morgause, his half-sister. He was raised with his half-brothers, the other children of Morgause and Lot. Arthur killed him at the Battle of Camlan. Mordred.
Moesen Welsh version of Moses, "from the water".
Morgan (MOHR-gahn) from Welsh mor "sea" or mawr "great, big" + can "bright" or cant "circle" or geni "born". Could mean "big circle", "bright circle", "bright sea", or "sea-born"; or "dwells near the sea". Male or female name. Most famous Morgan is probably Morgan la Fee, King Arthur's half-sister and famed sorceress. Morcan, Morgant (MOHR-gahnt).
Morgannwg "from Glamorgan".
Morthwyl from a word meaning "hammer".
Morvran name of Tegid's son.
Mostyn "fortress in a field".
Myrddin (MUHR-din or MUHR-thin) from British moridunon "sea fortress". Welsh source of the name is from the sorcerer Merlin.
Naw name of Seithved's son in legends.
Neb name of one of Caw's sons.
Nentres one of eleven kings who revolted against Arthur; he later married Elaine and became the King's ally.
Nerth name of Cadarn's son in old tales.
Nerthach son of Gwawrddur in legend.
Neued legendary name of Tringad's father.
Newlin "dwells near the new pool".
Nissyen (NESS-yen) "lover of peace"; brother of Evnissyen and his total opposite in morals and temperament. He was also a half-brother to the god Bran.
Nodens variant of the sea god Llud Llaw Ereint.
Nynnyaw legendary name of one of Beli's sons.
Odgar name of one of Aedd's sons.
Ofydd Welsh version of Ovid, a Roman poet.
Ol legendary name of Olwydd's son.
Oswallt Welsh version of Oswald, "strength from god".
Owein (OH-wayn) from Latin name Eugenius (Eugene) "well- or noble-born"; some sources list it as "young warrior". Owain, Owen.
Padrig (PAHD-rig) Welsh form of Padraig (Patrick), "noble", patron saint of Ireland.
Parry (PAHR-ee) from Welsh ap Harri "son of Harry or Henry".
Pasgen (PAHS-gen) from Welsh Pasg "Easter".
Pawl (POWL) Welsh form of Paul, "little".
Pedr (PEDR) Welsh form of Peter, "rock". Pedran (PED-rahn), Petran (PET-rahn).
Peissawg name of a king of Brittany in legends.
Pelles known as the Wounded King of the Grail Castle after he was wounded through both thighs; his daughter Elaine bore Galahad, Lancelot's son.
Pellinore brother of Pelles, King of the Isles, and one of the greatest Knights of the Round Table.
Pellyn "from the lake's headland".
Penn "from the peak".
Pennar (PEN-ahr) from Welsh pen "head" + ardd "hill, height".
Penvro "from Pembroke".
Perceval name of a Knight of the Round Table. Percival, Parzival.
Peredur (per-ED-eer) Derivation uncertain, perhaps from Welsh peri "spears" + dur "hard". Peredur mab Efrawc was the hero of a Welsh Arthurian grail romance.
Powell "son of Howell"; name of one of the Welsh kings.
Price "son of Rhys" and "son of the ardent one".
Pryderi (pra-DAYR-ee) In the Mabinogi, Pryderi was stolen by a monstrous claw on the night of his birth and deposited in Teyrnon Twrf Fliant's stable. He renamed the child Gwri Gwallt Euryn (Gwri Golden-Hair) and raised him, until it was clear he was the missing son of Pwyll and Rhiannon. When returned to his mother, her first words were "I would be relieved of my care (pryder) if this were true!" So he was renamed Pryderi.
Prys (PREES) from ap Rhys "son of Rhys". Price.
Puw Welsh version of Pugh, "son of Hugh".
Pwyll "son of Howell"; in ancient legends, he was the lord of Dyfed when he met Arawn, lord of Annwn, and took his place for a year in the Otherworld.
Pyrs Welsh form of Pierce, "stone" or "rock".
Reese "ardent one".
Ren "ruler". Ryn.
Renfrew "dwells near the still river" or "raven wood". Rhinfrew.
Rhain (RHIIN) from Welsh rhain "spear, lance". Rhainallt (RHIIN-alht) "hill".
Rheged legendary name of Gwres' father.
Rhionganedd name of a prince of Ireland in old legends.
Rhisiart (RHISH-art) Welsh form of Richard, "strong ruler".
Rhobert Welsh form of Robert, "brilliant, renowned".
Rhodri (RHOD-ree) from Welsh rhod "circle" + rhi "ruler". Rhodri Fawr (Rhodri the Great) was an important 9th C. king He was a renowned warrior, as well as the ancestor of many of the later dynasties of Wales.
Rhun name of one of Beli's sons.
Rhuvawn name of Deorthach's son in legends.
Rhyawdd name of Morgant's son in old tales.
Rhychdir "from the plow land".
Rhyd "from the ford".
Rhydderch (RHUHTH-erx) from Welsh rhi "king" + derchafu "ascending". Rhydderch Hael (Rhydderch the Generous) was a king of the Old North in the 6th C. He fought alongside Urien Rheged and Morcant against the incursions of Anglians into the area that is now southern Scotland.
Rhys (RHEES) from Welsh rhys "ardor, passion, rash". Reece, Rice, Reis, Riess, Rhett.
Robat (ROB-at) Welsh form of Robert. Nickname Robyn (ROB-een). The 15th C. Robyn Ddu (Black Robin) and the 19th C. Robyn Ddu Eryri (Black Robin of Snowdonia) were noted Welsh poets. Robet.
Romney "dwells near the curving river". Rumenea.
Sayer from the word for "carpenter".
Seith "seven". Saith.
Sel legendary name of Selgi's son.
Selwyn (SEL-ween) from Welsh sel "ardor" + gwyn "shining, holy".
Selyf Welsh version of Solomon, "peace".
Selyv name of Kynan's son in old legends.
Seren (SER-en) Welsh word for "star". Sirona, from the same Celtic root, was an ancient Gaulish goddess of hot springs. Male or female name.
Siam (SHAM) Welsh form of James.
Siarl (SHARL) Welsh form of Charles, "manly".
Siawn -name of Iaen's son in old tales.
Siencyn Welsh version of Jenkin, "god is gracious".
Sinnoch name of one of Seithved's sons in tales.
Sion (SHON) Welsh form of John. Sioni (SHON-ee), Sionyn (SHON-een).
Sior (SHOR) Welsh form of George, "farmer".
Steffan Welsh form of Stephen, "crowned with laurels".
Sugyn legendary name of Sugynedydd's son.
Sulien (SIL-yen) from Welsh sul "sun" + geni "born". Originally the name of a Celtic sun god. 11th C. Welsh bishop of St. David's named Sulien was reputed to have been the most learned man in all Wales.
Sulyen variant of Sulien; and name of one of Iaen's sons in old tales.
Syvwlch legendary name of Cleddyv Kyvwich's son.
Tad "father". Tadd.
Taliesin (tahl-YES-in) from Welsh tal "forehead, brow" + iesin "radiant, shining". A 6th C. poet who composed pems in praise of the heroes Owein, Urien Rheged and others.
Tarrant variant of Taranis, a thunder and storm god, similar to Jupiter. Tarran, Taryn, Taren, Terrant.
Tegid Foel husband of the goddess Cerridwen, their home was under Lake Tegid.
Tegvan name of Cerridwen's son.
Teilo (TAY-loh) A 6th C. saint who founded a church at Llandeilo Fawr in Dyfed. After his death, a dispute arose between the churces of Llandeilo, Llandaf, and Penally on where Teilo's remains were to be kept. His body miraculously triplicated so that no one would be left out.
Teithi name of one of Gwynnan's sons in old tales.
Teregud name of one of Iaen's sons in old stories.
Teryrnon (TAYR-non) from Celtic tigernonos "divine prince". In the Mabinogi, Teyrnon Twrf Fliant was Pryderi's foster father.
Timotheus Welsh version of Timothy, "honors god".
Tomos (TOHM-ohs) Welsh version of Thomas, "twin". Nickname Twm (Tom) (TOOM). Twm Sion Cati (1530-1609) was an antiquarian, poet and outlaw, and known as the Welsh Robin Hood.
Tor natural son of King Pellinore, who was raised by a cowheard. The truth of his ancestry came out when he asked to be a Knight of the Round Table.
Trahern "incredibly strong" or "strong as iron".
Trefor (TREV-ohr) from Welsh tref "home, town" + mor "great". Name used since the 10th C.
Tremayne "lives in the house by the rock". Tremen.
Trent "dwells near the rapid stream". Trynt.
Trevelyan "from Elian's home".
Tringad legendary name of Neued's son.
Tristan from an Old Welsh word for "noisy one"; "clamor". Confused with Tristram; Tristan is mentioned as a Knight of the Round Table in the Arthurian sagas.
Tristram "sorrowful". The tragic tale of Tristram (Tristan in Arthurian legend) and Isolde; he was the son of King Meliodas and Queen Elizabeth of Lyonnesse and went to his uncle King Mark in Cornwall after his country sand under the ocean. There, he fell in love with Isolde, his uncle's wife, causing a great scandal. He served King Arthur for a time, but went to Brittany where he was mortally wounded.
Tudur (TID-ir) from Celtic teutorigos "king of the tribe". Tewdwr ap Giffri was a 10th C. king of Brecon. Tudur Aled was a renowned Welsh poet of the early Tudor era. Tudor (TID-or), Twedwr (tee-OO-door).
Twrgadarn "tower of strength".
Uchdryd name of Erim's son in ancient tales.
Urien traditional name of the king of the land of Gorre who was associated with the Round Table. He married Morgan le Fay, their son was Owain.
Vaddon "from Bath".
Vaughn "small one". Vychan.
Wadu name of one of Seithved's sons in lengends.
Weyland a god of smiths, said to have made Excalibur. His name is still associated with several sites in Wales and Britain.
Wmffre (OOM-free) Welsh form of Humphrey, "friend of the Huns". Wmmffre.
Wynn "handsome", "fair, white one" or "light complexion". Wyn.
Yale "fertile upland".
Yestin Welsh form of Justin.
Ysberin name of Fflergant's son in old tales.
Ysgawyn name of Panon's son in old tales.
Yspadaden Pencawr named as the father of Olwen in the story Culhwch and Ol.
* See the Notes page