# A Welsh Name A Day **URL:** \ **Category:** General Name Discussion\ **Created:** [January 5, 2023, 10:03pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411 "2023-01-05T22:03:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 10:03pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/1 "2023-01-05T22:03:14Z")
I’m crediting @LeafTree for this idea. I hope you don’t mind me copying! Brief Summary: I had originally planned to produce a list of Welsh names, taken from _Enwau Cymraeg i Blant_ (_Welsh Names for Children)_, like I have done previously. But when I went to make my list and found that descriptions can no longer be added to each individual name, I decided it wouldn’t work. I wasn’t sure how to go about sharing the names until I came across LeafTree’s [NOTD](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/llewellyns-complete-book-of-names-notd-by-leaftree/426956) topic. > **Detailed Summary (feel free to ignore)** > > When I first joined Nameberry there was a lack of Welsh names in the database and the names that did exist generally had incorrect meanings, pronunciations or origins. In the past, I shared a select list of Welsh names from _Enwau Cymraeg i Blant_ (_Welsh Names for Children_) that I considered to be easy to pronounce. Many of these were added or updated in the database. > > My plan over the Christmas/New Year’s period was to produce a new list of Welsh names not in the database (or not in the database with a Welsh origin). But when I went to make my list I found that descriptions can no longer be added to each individual name on a list. > > I had been racking my brain over the last couple months trying to figure out what to do. I considered writing a list of names and submitting it anyway but I figured it wouldn’t be very effective if it lacks pronunciations and meanings. Next, I considered making several posts in the _What Names Have We Missed?_ thread but thought that would end up getting annoying. Lastly, I considered making my own topic with a list of the names but again thought that would be annoying and information overload. > > And then I saw the [Llewellyn’s complete book of names NOTD](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/llewellyns-complete-book-of-names-notd-by-leaftree/426956) thread and I thought the idea was genius. I plan to post a name a day. And, while I would like to post every name in the book, I will probably skip the names with more complex pronunciations and the names with a lack of information (unless I find them particularly interesting). I will also make sure I don’t post the same names as LeafTree. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 10:04pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/2 "2023-01-05T22:04:49Z")
I’m starting with a name that is not easy to pronounce (sorry) but I found the origin story interesting. * * * **Aelhaearn / Elhaearn** masculine; pr. _ailhaiarn_; meaning: iron brow, from _ael_ (brow) + _haearn_ (iron) > **detailed pronunciation** > > ae (ai) = eye > l = as in like > h = as in hard > ae (ai) = eye > a = as in sat > r = as in right > n = as in no The name of a 7th century saint celebrated on [name\_u]November[/name\_u] 1. Aelhaearn’s name is believed to have originated from a miracle preformed by his mentor, [name\_m]Beuno[/name\_m]. One night, as [name\_m]Beuno[/name\_m] was returning to his cell, he came across a man hiding in the dark. [name\_m]Beuno[/name\_m] prayed that if the man had bad intentions, he should be made an example of. As soon as [name\_m]Beuno[/name\_m] said this, wild animals appeared from the forest and tore the man apart. [name\_m]Beuno[/name\_m] then discovered that the man was his servant and regretted his actions. [name\_m]Beuno[/name\_m] decided he would undo what happened and set the man’s bones and limbs together. But, a bone from beneath his brow had been lost. The missing bone was replaced with a piece of iron, and Bueno raised Aelhaearn from the dead. Aelhaearn is commemorated in Ffynon Aelhaearn (Aelhaearn’s Well), a holy well credited with miraculous healing, at Llanaelhaearn. For centuries, the well was a major religious site where many would gather to witness the water “laughing” (an irregular upwelling of bubbles). In 1900, a diphtheria outbreak saw the well sealed indefinitely. ---
**Author:** ![Tealocean](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/tealocean/32/81304_2.png) [@Tealocean](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Tealocean)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 10:10pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/3 "2023-01-05T22:10:58Z")
> **** > > This is a really cool idea! I’m glad you started with Aelhaearn, the meaning _is_ very interesting. ---
**Author:** ![Greyblue](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/greyblue/32/120523_2.png) [@Greyblue](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Greyblue)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2023, 10:56pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/4 "2023-01-05T22:56:52Z")
Ooh, this is fantastic and fascinating - thank you for sharing this name and I look forward to reading more ---
**Author:** ![AStudyIn\_Scarlet](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/astudyin_scarlet/32/72898_2.png) [@AStudyIn\_Scarlet](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/AStudyIn_Scarlet)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2023, 1:15pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/5 "2023-01-06T13:15:03Z")
I’m looking forward to this, too! I hope more threads like these come up. Always exciting. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2023, 11:01pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/6 "2023-01-06T23:01:28Z")
**Afarwy** masculine; pr. _avarʊi_; meaning: grief, from Old Welsh; “man of the earth”, from Greek via Latin > **detailed pronunciation** > > a = as in sat > f (v) = as in very > a = as in sat > r = as in right > wy (ʊi) = ouie, as in louie Afarwy is the name of an early Welsh saint and _afarwy_ is believed to be an archaic Welsh word meaning grief. However, more notably, Afarwy is considered to be the Welsh form of [name\_m]Androgeus[/name\_m], the Latinized form of Androgeos, derived from Greek andros (man) + geos (earth, land). **The [name\_u]Story[/name\_u] of Afarwy ap Lud** Afarwy, appearing as [name\_m]Androgeus[/name\_m] in [name\_m]Geoffrey[/name\_m] of Monmouth’s _[name\_f]Historia[/name\_f] Regum Britanniae_, is the eldest son of king Lud. Upon Lud’s death, Afarwy was too young to rule, so the throne was given to his uncle Cassivellaunus, and Afarwy was named [name\_u]Duke[/name\_u] of Trinovantum (London) and [name\_m]Kent[/name\_m] instead. Afarwy went on to participate in the defence of [name\_u]Britain[/name\_u] against [name\_m]Julius[/name\_m] [name\_m]Caesar[/name\_m]. During celebrations following the first two victories against [name\_m]Caesar[/name\_m], Afarwy’s nephew, Cuelinus, killed Cassivellaunus’ nephew, Hirelglas, in a dispute over the results of their wrestling match. Afarwy, fearing Cassivellaunus’ intentions, proposed trialling Cuelinus in his own court. Cassivellaunus responded by declaring war on Afarwy, and Afarwy appealed to [name\_m]Caesar[/name\_m] for support. Afarwy gifted 40 hostages, including his own son, to [name\_m]Caesar[/name\_m] as proof of intent and allowed [name\_m]Caesar[/name\_m] to invade [name\_u]Britain[/name\_u] for a third time. Afarwy and [name\_m]Caesar[/name\_m] forced Cassivellaunus to surrender and agree to pay a tribute of 3000 pieces of silver every year to [name\_u]Rome[/name\_u]. As a result of his actions (inviting [name\_m]Caesar[/name\_m] to invade), Afarwy was labelled in the Welsh Triads as one of the “Three Dishonoured Men of the [name\_u]Island[/name\_u] of Britain”. ---
**Author:** ![EleanorVintage](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/eleanorvintage/32/72045_2.png) [@EleanorVintage](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/EleanorVintage)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2023, 5:28pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/7 "2023-01-07T17:28:52Z")
Diolch yn fawr for this thread ❤ Nameberry definitely needs more of our beautiful Welsh names on the data base. I’m so glad your decided to start this topic! Cymru am Byth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2023, 10:19pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/8 "2023-01-08T22:19:45Z")
Since I wasn’t able to post yesterday, I’m posting two names today 🙂 * * * **Amranwen** feminine; pr. _am-RAN-wen_; meaning: white eyelid, from _amrant_ (eyelid) + _gwen_ (white) > **detailed pronunciation** > > a = as in sat > m = as in me > r = as in right > a = as in sat > n = as in no > w = as in was > e = as well > n = as in no Amranwen is also the Welsh name for the coastal plant Tripleurospermum Maritimum, which is more commonly known as false mayweed or sea mayweed. * * * **Anarawd** masculine; pr. _an-AH-raud_; meaning: great speaker (approximated) > **detailed pronunciation** > > a = as in sat > n = as in no > a (ah) = as in sat > r = as in right > aw (au) = ou, as in around > d = as in do Anarawd is a name of Middle Welsh origin, from the intensifying prefix _an_ + _arawd_ (speech). Anarawd is the name of multiple historical and legendary figures. **Anarawd ap Gwriad** (d.954) A son of Gwriad ap [name\_m]Rhodri[/name\_m] Mawr, and nephew of Anarawd ap [name\_m]Rhodri[/name\_m] Mawr (see below), who is believed to have been slain in battle in 954AD. **Anarawd ap [name\_m]Rhodri[/name\_m] Mawr** (d.916) The eldest son of [name\_m]Rhodri[/name\_m] ap [name\_m]Merfyn[/name\_m] (also known as [name\_m]Rhodri[/name\_m] Mawr / [name\_m]Rhodri[/name\_m] the Great), who succeeded to the throne as [name\_m]King[/name\_m] of [name\_u]Gwynedd[/name\_u] in 878AD. Although his father had become ruler of most of Northern [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m] during his reign, Welsh [name\_m]Law[/name\_m] dictated that, upon his death, his lands must be divided amongst his able-bodied children. Anarawd retained [name\_u]Gwynedd[/name\_u], while his brothers, [name\_m]Cadell[/name\_m] and [name\_m]Merfyn[/name\_m] are believed to have obtained the kingdoms of Ceredigion and Powys, respectively. In 881AD, Anarawd led the defeat against the invasion by Æthelred of Mercia in The Battle of Conwy at Cymryd. The battle was recorded by Welsh annals as _Dial [name\_m]Rhodri[/name\_m]_ (“God’s vengeance for Rhodri”) and Anarawd was hailed as “King of the Britons” in the _Annales Cambriae_ (The Annals of Wales). **Anarawd ap Tangwydd** A ruler of Elfael, a _cantref_ of _Rhwng Gwy a [name\_f]Hafren[/name\_f]_ (a sub-kingdom ‘Between [name\_m]Wye[/name\_m] and Severn’), c.840-875AD. **Anarawd ap [name\_m]Merfyn[/name\_m] Mawr** A king of Ynys Manaw (Isle of Man) in 682AD, who was more commonly known as Anarawd Gwalchcrwn (Anarawd the Crowned Hawk) or Gallgwrn ap [name\_m]Merfyn[/name\_m] Mawr. Although nothing is known of his reign, he is generally regarded as a legendary ruler. In the story of _[name\_f]Branwen[/name\_f], daughter of [name\_m]Llyr[/name\_m]_, within the second branch of the Mabinogi, the name Anarawd Gwalchcrwn appears in the form _Anarawc Walltgrwn_ as the father of Iddig. This is often wrongly attributed to Anarawd ap [name\_m]Merfyn[/name\_m] Mawr, despite no evidence to support a connection. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2023, 10:51pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/9 "2023-01-09T22:51:09Z")
**Anian** unisex; pr. _aniːan_; meaning: nature or temperament, from _anian_ (nature, temperament) > **detailed pronunciation** > > a = as in sat > n = as in no > i (iː) = e, as in be > a = as in sat > n = as in no Although all recorded usage of Anian is as a masculine name, _anian_ is both a masculine and feminine noun with the Welsh language. The predominant masculine usage may be due to it’s similarity to Anianus from Latin. Furthermore, although there is no evidence of a connection, Anian can be considered the direct Welsh form of Anianus. **Anian I, [name\_m]Bishop[/name\_m] of St [name\_m]Asaph[/name\_m] (1249-1266)** [name\_m]Prior[/name\_m] to being appointed [name\_m]Bishop[/name\_m] of the Diocese of St [name\_m]Asaph[/name\_m], Anian I was known as Einion ap [name\_m]Maredudd[/name\_m]. In 1263, during his episcopate, it is believed that Anian I gave half of the church of Llanllwchaearn in Cydewain to the nuns of Llanllugan, and in 1265, gave the church of Berriw to Strata [name\_f]Marcella[/name\_f]. **Anian, [name\_m]Bishop[/name\_m] of Bangor (c.1267-1307)** [name\_m]Prior[/name\_m] to his consecration as [name\_m]Bishop[/name\_m] of Bangor, Anian was the first Archdeacon of Anglesey. In 1274, Anian disagreed with [name\_m]Llywelyn[/name\_m] ap [name\_m]Gruffudd[/name\_m], the [name\_u]Prince[/name\_u] of [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m], over the treatment of his brother. In 1276, Anian composed list of complaints he held against the prince and sided with [name\_m]King[/name\_m] [name\_u]Edward[/name\_u] I of [name\_u]England[/name\_u]. On St. Mark’s [name\_u]Day[/name\_u] in 1284, Anian christened the first [name\_f]English[/name\_f] [name\_u]Prince[/name\_u] of [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m], [name\_u]Edward[/name\_u] II. **Anian II, [name\_m]Bishop[/name\_m] of St [name\_m]Asaph[/name\_m] (1268-1293)** Not much is known about Anian II as he is often confused with Anian, [name\_m]Bishop[/name\_m] of Bangor. However, the episcopate of Anian II was described as “the best and stoutest upholder ever seen of the rights of his bishopric.” ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2023, 9:17pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/10 "2023-01-10T21:17:07Z")
**Arwel** masculine; pr. _AR-wɛl_; meaning: prominent > **detailed pronuunciation** > > a = as in sat > r = as in right > w = as in was > e (ɛ) = as in well > l = as in like Despite being an old name, Arwel still has some relatively modern usage, although it is rare. In 2019, the name Arwel was given to 4 baby boys and ranked at 3,937 in [name\_u]England[/name\_u] & [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m]. Although there is no recorded use for Arwel in the most recent statistics (2021), that does not mean the name has gone out of use. ONS only records the usage of names that are given to at least 3 babies born within the relevant year. **Arwel [name\_m]Hughes[/name\_m] (1909–1988)** A Welsh orchestral conductor and composer, who’s most famous for his large-scale oratorios, _[name\_u]Dewi[/name\_u] Sant_ and _Pantycelyn_, and a shorter work, _Gweddi_. For many years, Arwel [name\_m]Hughes[/name\_m] conducted performances by the Welsh National [name\_f]Opera[/name\_f], as well as his own two operas, _[name\_f]Menna[/name\_f]_, a tragedy based on a Welsh folk legend; and _Serch yw’r [name\_u]Doctor[/name\_u]_, a comedy adapted from Molière’s L’Amour médecin, These works played an important role in the development of opera in [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m]. **[name\_m]Owain[/name\_m] Arwel [name\_m]Hughes[/name\_m] (b.1942)** A Welsh orchestral conductor, and the son of Arwel [name\_m]Hugues[/name\_m]. His work has included engagements with Welsh National [name\_f]Opera[/name\_f] and the [name\_f]English[/name\_f] National [name\_f]Opera[/name\_f], and his musical performances has included the National Eisteddfod of [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m]. **Arwel [name\_m]Thomas[/name\_m] (b.1974)** A former [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m] international rugby union player. He won his first of his 23 caps against [name\_f]Italy[/name\_f] in 1996, and was named captain of Neath for the 2009–10 rugby season. **Arwel [name\_m]Richards[/name\_m] (b.1982)** A Welsh businessman, columnist and polo administrator. He has written articles relating to cars and style, and from 2007 to 2009, he was Festival Director of the Swansea [name\_u]Bay[/name\_u] Film Festival. **Arwel [name\_m]Robson[/name\_m] (b.1997)** A Welsh rugby union player who debuted as a fly-half for the regional team Dragons in 2016. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2023, 8:15pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/11 "2023-01-11T20:15:32Z")
**Awel / Awela** feminine; pr. _AH-wɛl_ / _ah-wɛl-ah_; meaning: breeze, from _awel_ (breeze) > **detailed pronunciation** > > a (ah) = as in sat > w = as in was > e (ɛ) = as in well > l = as in like > / a (ah) = as in sat Awel & Awela are Welsh nature names from the feminine noun _awel_. Awela may derive from the presumed Proto-Celtic spelling \*_awelā_, or from _awel_ + the feminine suffix _a_. Awel has recorded usage for the last three years, where it was given to 4 baby girls in each year. In 2021, Awel ranked at 4,634 in Englnd & [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m]. There is no recorded usage of Awela since records began in 1996. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2023, 9:15pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/12 "2023-01-12T21:15:06Z")
**Baeddan** masculine; pr. _BAI-ðan_; meaning: little boar, from _baedd_ (boar) > **detailed pronunciation** > > b = as in be > ae (ai) = eye > dd (ð) = th, as in wither > a = as in sat > n= as in no Baeddan, sometimes written as Baedan (pr. _BAI-dan_), is the name of a stream in [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m]. The stream is said to have been named after a person. The name Baeddan appears in _Culhwch ac [name\_f]Olwen[/name\_f]_, the oldest surviving tale of _The Mabinogion_, as Baedan. He is the father of Maelwys (_Maelwys mab Baedan_). Some theories suggest that Baeddan is a variant of Bagdemagus, [name\_m]King[/name\_m] of the land of Gorre and a [name\_m]Knight[/name\_m] of the Round Table. This theory relies on the idea that Maelwys is a variation of Melwas (the original form of Maleagant, son of Bagdemagus). However, many theorists reject any connection of Baeddan to Bagdemagus, and instead suggest that Maelwys is the historical [name\_u]Irish[/name\_u] prince Máel Umai and his father, Báetán mac Muirchertaig (High [name\_m]King[/name\_m] of [name\_u]Ireland[/name\_u], 566-572AD), is Baeddan. This theory is widely accepted as many early Welsh tales are believed to have been inspired by [name\_u]Irish[/name\_u] legend. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2023, 7:46pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/13 "2023-01-13T19:46:45Z")
**Bedwyn** masculine; pr. _bɛdwɪn_; meaning: birch tree, from _bedwen_ (birch) > **detailed pronunciation** > > b = as in be > e (ɛ) = as in well > d = as in do > w = as in was > i (ɪ) = e, as in roses > n = as in no Bedwyn appears in several place names. Historic place names include Bedwyn-uchaf and Bedwyn-isaf, and present place names include Ffrîth Bedwyn and Bryn-bedwyn. The earliest recorded usage of Bedwyn as a given name is 1889, and the most recent usage was in 1991, according to the birth registry index. Although there is no recorded usage of Bedwen as a name, it could be a modern feminine version of Bedwyn, taken directly from the feminine noun source. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/14 "2023-01-16T19:53:10Z")
Today is a name I was actually surprised is not already in the Nameberry database! Hopefully it was worth the 3-day wait 😉 * * * **Blodeuwedd** feminine; pr. _blɔ’dɛiwɛð_; meaning: face of flowers, from _blodau_ (flowers) + _gwedd_ (appearance) > **detailed pronunciation** > > b = as in be > l = as in like > o (ɔ) = as in off > d = as in do > eu (ɛi) = ai, as in pain > w = as in was > e (ɛ) = as in well > dd (ð) = th, as in wither In _Math fab Mathonwy_, the fourth branch of the _Mabinogi_, Blodeuwedd is the wife of Llew Llaw Gyffes. She was made by Math and Gwydion from the flowers of oak, broom and meadowsweet to counteract a curse placed upon Llew Llaw Gyffes - that he may never have a human wife - by his mother, Arianrhod. Later, Blodeuwedd has an affair with Gronw Pebr and plots to kill Llew. As punishment, Blodeuwedd is turned into an owl, as it is a creature hated by all other birds, and becomes ostracised. The author declares: _“Blodeuwedd” means “owl” in the language of today. And it is because of that there is hostility between birds and owls, and the owl is still known as Blodeuwedd._ To read more, visit: [Math fab Mathonwy: The Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi](http://www.mabinogi.net/math.htm). Blodeuwedd’s story is in Part III. ---
**Author:** ![Greyblue](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/greyblue/32/120523_2.png) [@Greyblue](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Greyblue)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 10:03pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/15 "2023-01-16T22:03:53Z")
Arwel is gorgeous - I love it a lot! And Awel/Awela - meaning breeze is dreamy!! Blodeuwedd has such an intriguing and distinctive sound! ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2023, 1:07am UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/16 "2023-01-18T01:07:20Z")
**Bronmai** feminine; pr. _brɔnmai_ > **detailed pronunciation** > > b = as in be > r = as in right > o (ɔ) = as in off > n = as in no > m = as in me > ai = eye From _bron_ meaning breast (body) or breast of hill + _[name\_u]Mai[/name\_u]_ meaning [name\_f]May[/name\_f] (month). The earliest recorded usage of Bronmai as a given name, in [name\_u]England[/name\_u] & [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m], is 1908, and the most recent recorded usage is 1964. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2023, 9:16pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/17 "2023-01-19T21:16:07Z")
**Cadwaladr** masculine; pr. _kad-WAL-a-d’rr_; meaning: battle leader or battle ruler > **detailed pronunciation** > > c (k) = as in cool > a = as in sat > d = as in do > w = as in was > a = as in sat > l = as in like > a = as in sat > d = as in do > r = as in right Originally _Catgualatr_ in Old Welsh, from _cad_ (battle) + _gwaladr_ (leader, ruler). It can also be spelt [name\_m]Cadwallader[/name\_m], and Cadwalader in Anglicised Welsh. Cadwaladr (and its variant spellings) has been used as both a given name and a surname. The most notable in Welsh history is Cadwaladr ap Cadwallon. **Cadwaladr ap Cadwallon** Cadwaladr ap Cadwallon was [name\_m]King[/name\_m] of [name\_u]Gwynedd[/name\_u] c.655-682. During his reign, he faced two devastating plagues (in 664 and 682). The second plague took his life. In _Genealogies from [name\_m]Jesus[/name\_m] College MS 20_ (medieval manuscript of Welsh lineage), Cadwaladr is recorded as _Kadwaladyr Vendigeit_ (Cadwaladr the Blessed). > **\[name\_m\]History\[/name\_m\] and Myth of Cadwaladr ap Cadwallon** > > The long establish Welsh symbol, the red dragon, is attributed to Cadwaladr. During the Middle Ages, it was referred to as “The [name\_u]Red[/name\_u] Dragon of Cadwaladr”, despite no evidence of a historical connection between the red dragon and Cadwaladr. It is theorised that the connection originated in myth and “provided a messianic hope for the future deliverance of [name\_u]Britain[/name\_u] from the dominion of the Saxons”. > > According to [name\_m]Geoffrey[/name\_m] of Monmouth, Cadwaladr, the last true [name\_m]King[/name\_m] of [name\_u]Britain[/name\_u], receives a prophecy urging him to sacrifice personal power for the sake of his people. If he renounces the throne, his sacrifice will lead to the restoration of [name\_f]British[/name\_f] control, as prophecised by [name\_u]Merlin[/name\_u]. Cadwaladr is told to live a penitent life to become a saint, and once his sacred bones are returned to [name\_u]Britain[/name\_u], the Britons (Welsh and Bretons) can restore full possession of their homeland. > > During the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487), the prophecies relating to Cadwaladr were used by contenders as part of their claim to the [name\_f]English[/name\_f] throne. Although the Tudors also claimed direct descent from Cadwaladr to legitimise their authority of [name\_u]Britain[/name\_u] as a whole. [name\_u]Henry[/name\_u] [name\_m]Tudor[/name\_m] adopted use of the red dragon and claimed to be fulfilling the prophecy set by [name\_u]Merlin[/name\_u]. After his victory as Battle of Bosworth [name\_m]Field[/name\_m], “The [name\_u]Red[/name\_u] Dragon of Cadwaladr” was incorporated into [name\_u]Henry[/name\_u] VII’s coat of arms. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 11:54pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/18 "2023-01-20T23:54:06Z")
**Cefni** masculine; pr. _kɛvni:_ Cefni comes from the masculine noun _cefn_ (back, ridge, support). It is found in the name of a town (Llangefni), reservoir (Llyn Cefni) and river (Afon Cefni) in Anglesey. It is also the bardic name of Welsh writer and minister [name\_m]Hugh[/name\_m] [name\_m]Parry[/name\_m]. **[name\_m]Hugh[/name\_m] [name\_m]Parry[/name\_m] (1826-1895)** [name\_m]Hugh[/name\_m] [name\_m]Parry[/name\_m] was originally a member of the Congregational churches at Llangefni and Rhos-y-meirch. He was ordained as a minister at Bagillt in 1848, but seceded to the Baptists at Llangefni in 1850. He held pastorates at Rhos-y-bol (1851); Dowlais (1851-1855); Bangor (1855-7); Brymbo & [name\_m]Moss[/name\_m] (1857-1860); Tal-y-bont, Cardiganshire (1860-1864); Tottenham [name\_m]Court[/name\_m] Road, [name\_u]London[/name\_u] (1864-1867); and Cardiff (1867-1870). [name\_m]Hugh[/name\_m] [name\_m]Parry[/name\_m] emigrated to [name\_u]America[/name\_u] in 1870, where he served as pastorate of Dodgeville, Wisconsin (1885-1895). He returned to [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m] on many occasions and was pastor at Holywell (1884-1885). He died at Llangefni, in 1895, and was buried at Rhos-y-meirch. In 1863, [name\_m]Hugh[/name\_m] [name\_m]Parry[/name\_m] succeeded in the _pryddest_ competition at the National Eisteddfod in Swansea. He published many articles and poetry of a high standard in both the Welsh and American periodical press. ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2023, 11:35pm UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/19 "2023-01-21T23:35:21Z")
Since I forgot to add this yesterday: > **detailed pronunciation for Cefni** > > c (k) = as in cool > e (ɛ) = as in well > f (v) = as in very > n = as in no > i (iː) = e, as in be * * * Today’s name: **Ceirios** feminine; pr. _kɛiriːɔs_; meaning: cherries, from _ceirios_ (cherries) > **detailed pronunciation** > > c (k) = as in cool > ei (ɛi) = ai, as in pain > r = as in right > i (iː) = e, as in be > o (ɔ) = as in off > s = as in see The earliest recorded usage of Ceirios as a given name in [name\_u]England[/name\_u] & [name\_m]Wales[/name\_m] is 1931, and the most recent recorded usage is 1988, according to the Births Registered Indexes. > **index combos** > > 1966: Ceirios [name\_f]Myfanwy[/name\_f] > 1971: Ceirios [name\_f]Rowena[/name\_f] > 1981: Ceirios [name\_f]Jolanta[/name\_f] > 1981: Ceirios [name\_f]Mererid[/name\_f] > 1983: Ceirios Awena > 1985: Ceirios [name\_f]Bethan[/name\_f] > 1987: Ceirios [name\_u]Wyn[/name\_u] > 1987: Ceirios [name\_f]Mair[/name\_f] > 1988: Ceirios [name\_f]Haf[/name\_f] ---
**Author:** ![Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/user_avatar/forum.nameberry.com/carys1/32/52101_2.png) [@Carys1](https://forum.nameberry.com/u/Carys1)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 1:28am UTC](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411/20 "2023-01-23T01:28:35Z")
**Cynhafal** masculine; pr. _kənhaval_; meaning: equal chief, from _cyn_ (chief) + _hafal_ (equal). > **detailed pronunciation** > > c (k) = as in cool > y (ə) = a, as in about > h = as in have > a = as in sat > f (v) = as in very > a = as in sat > l = as in like Cynhafal ab Argad was a 7th century saint of Llangynhafal. He is commemorated on [name\_u]October[/name\_u] 5th. In _Bonedd Y [name\_u]Saint[/name\_u]_ (a Welsh genealogical manuscript detailing the lineages of early [name\_f]British[/name\_f] saints), Cynhafal is identified as a ‘Spear-thruster of Ynys Prydain and one of the three Bull-Chieftains’. Although Llangynhafal is believed to have been named after [name\_u]Saint[/name\_u] Cynhafal, a more interesting story is often told. The story suggests that Cynhafal is a corruption of _can_ (hundred) + _afal_ (apple). This proposed meaning refers to an ecclesiastic who sent 100 apples, each containing a gold coin, to the parish bishop in an attempt to secure himself a job at the parish. However, as the parish was poor at this time, the story is regarded as nothing more than a tale. [Next page](https://forum.nameberry.com/t/a-welsh-name-a-day/427411.md?page=2)