A Welsh Name A Day

[Carys1]

When I wrote this up, [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] was not on NB but has recently been added. I put too much time and effort into this one to just ignore it so I’m posting this as extra information about the name.

[name_m]Gwion[/name_m]
masculine; pr. gwi:ɔn

detailed pronunciatio

g = as in get
w = as in was
i = e, as in be
o (ɔ) = as in off
n = as in no

The meaning on [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] is unknown, but is most commonly believed to relate to gwyn (white, fair, blessed). However, it has also been suggested that it may mean ‘grain’, likely influenced by [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] [name_m]Bach[/name_m] (little Gwion) in the tale of [name_m]Hanes[/name_m] [name_u]Taliesin[/name_u] (see below). Additionally, one source indicates it could mean ‘innocent’ but there is no evidence to back up this claim.

Notable People

[name_m]Gwion[/name_m] ap Cyndrwyn
He was one of the ‘Three Gate-Keepers’ at the Battle of Perllan Fangor (also known as the Battle of Chester).

According to the poem Y Gododdin by [name_m]Aneirin[/name_m], warriors named [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] and [name_u]Gwyn[/name_u] went to Catraeth, and were slain in battle there. [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] and [name_u]Gwyn[/name_u] are also mentioned in another poem, Stafell Gynddylan (Cynddylan’s Hall), as brothers, alongside a third brother, Cynon. There are several translations and interpretations of this poem, but the implication that makes the most sense is that they were killed fighting the [name_f]English[/name_f]. The verse that refers to [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] is below:

[in original Old Welsh]
Stauell Gyndylan ys tywyll heno
O blant Kyndrwyn yn
Kynon a Gwiawn a [name_u]Gwyn[/name_u].

[English translation]
Cynddylan’s [name_m]Hall[/name_m] is dark tonight
Of Cyndrwyn’s children
Cynon and [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] and [name_u]Gwyn[/name_u].

[name_m]Gwion[/name_m] [name_m]Bach[/name_m]
In the tale [name_m]Hanes[/name_m] [name_u]Taliesin[/name_u] within the Mabinogion, [name_f]Ceridwen[/name_f] was making a magic brew for her son, Afagddu and chose [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] [name_m]Bach[/name_m] to stoke the fire under the cauldron. At the end of a year, three magic drops, intended for Afagddu, fell onto [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] [name_m]Bach[/name_m] and he became filled with wisdom. This also led [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] to realise that [name_f]Ceridwen[/name_f] would try to destroy him for depriving her son of the magic drops.

In an attempt to avoid [name_f]Ceridwen[/name_f], [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] went through a number of transformations, but [name_f]Ceridwen[/name_f] also went through corresponding transformations in pursuit of him. Gwion’s final transformation was into a grain of wheat, but [name_f]Ceridwen[/name_f], in the form of a hen, found him and swallowed him. [name_f]Ceridwen[/name_f] carried him in her belly for nine months until she delivered him. At this point, [name_f]Ceridwen[/name_f] could no longer bear to do him any harm (as he was now her child) so placed him into a basket and into a river. He was then discovered by Elffin ap Gwyddno and named [name_u]Taliesin[/name_u].

In Ystoria [name_u]Taliesin[/name_u], [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] [name_m]Bach[/name_m] is the son of a yeoman of Llanfair Caereinion in Powys. In this version of the tale, three drops of liquor fall onto [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] Bach’s finger and, due to the great heat, he puts his finger in his mouth, and instantly foresaw everything to come.

[name_m]Gwion[/name_m] Llygad Cath
In Culhwch ac [name_f]Olwen[/name_f], [name_m]Gwion[/name_m] Llygad Cath (Gwion Cat-eye) is mentioned among those present at Arthur’s [name_m]Court[/name_m]. It is said that he ‘could cut a haw from a gnat’s eye without harming the eye’.

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Hafina
feminine; pr. havi:na; meaning: summer

detailed pronunciation

h = as in have
a = as in bat
f (v) = as in very
i = e, as in be
n = as in no
a = as in bat

Hafina is considered a diminutive of [name_f]Haf[/name_f], which comes directly from the Welsh word haf meaning ‘summer’. However, Hafina may also be influenced by the word hefin meaning ‘summer-time, summer season, summery’, or as a feminine form of the masculine name [name_m]Hefin[/name_m].

The earliest recorded use of Hafina as a given name is 1895, and the most recent recorded use is 2006. Hafina has not been recorded in official statistics since 1996.

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Hafwen
feminine; pr. havwɛn; meaning: fair summer, from haf (summer) + gwen (fair)

detailed pronunciation

h = as in have
a = as in bat
f (v) = as in very
w = as in was
e (ɛ) = as in well
n = as in no

The earliest recorded use of Hafwen as a given name is 1920, and the most recent recorded use is 2006. Hafwen has been increasing in popularity since its first came in to use as a name, but has only appeared in official statistic three times – in 2004, 2007 and 2012.

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Hirael / Hiral / Hirel
unisex; pr. hi:rail / hi:ra:l / hi:rɛl; meaning: long brow, from hir (long) + ael (brow)

detailed pronunciation

h = as in have
i = e, as in be
r = as in right
ae (ai) = as in [name_u]Yael[/name_u] / a = as in bat / e (ɛ) = as in well
l = as in like

The earliest recorded usage of Hirael as a given name is in 1919, in the [name_u]Silver[/name_u] War Badge [name_m]Roll[/name_m] 1914-1920, and the last recorded usage is in the [name_u]London[/name_u] Gazette 1921. These do not appear to be the same person.

The earliest recorded use of Hiral as a given name in [name_u]England[/name_u] & [name_m]Wales[/name_m] is 1811, and the most recent recorded use is 2006. However, as Hiral is also a name of [name_f]Indian[/name_f] origin, usage figures are not reliable as evidence for the Welsh given name. Although the Births, Marriages & Deaths Indexes have many Hiral’s with common Welsh surnames (Bowen, [name_m]Edwards[/name_m], [name_m]Evans[/name_m], [name_m]Richards[/name_m], [name_m]Thomas[/name_m], [name_m]Owens[/name_m], Williams), it cannot be conclusively stated that their given name is from Welsh origin.

The earliest recorded use of Hirel as a name is 1827, but the earliest recorded use as a given name is 1845. The most recent recorded use is 1999. However, as with Hiral, Hirel has seen usage amongst people with Indian/South [name_f]Asian[/name_f] heritage, so its popularity as a Welsh given name is unclear.

Notable People

Hirelglas (technically not the same name but does contain ‘hirael’ as a component)
According to Brut y Brenhinedd (Chronicles of the Kings), Hirelglas was a nephew of Caswallawn, the chief commander of [name_f]British[/name_f] resistance against [name_m]Julius[/name_m] [name_m]Caesar[/name_m]. Following a second victory over [name_m]Caesar[/name_m], Caswallawn organised sacrifices at Trinovantum (London), as well as games. These games included a wrestling match between Hirelglas and Afarwy, nephew of Cuhelyn. During a dispute about the victory, Cuhelyn beheaded Hirelglas with his sword. Caswallawn demanded that Afarwy face trial but Afarwy refused and Caswallawn threatened war.

Hirelglas’ name likely meant “long silver brow”, from hir (long) + ael (brow) + glas (silver, grey).

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Iemwnt
masculine; pr. jɛmʊnt; meaning: rich protection, from Old [name_f]English[/name_f]

detailed pronunciation

i (j) = y, as in you
e (ɛ) = as in well
m = as in me
w (ʊ) = oo, as in pool
n = as in no
t = as in stop

Iemwnt is a variation of [name_m]Edmwnd[/name_m], the Welsh form of [name_m]Edmund[/name_m].

No further information about this name, such as usage and notable people, can be found.

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Ionor
feminine; pr. jɔnɔr; meaning: [name_u]January[/name_u], from Ionawr (January)

detailed pronunciation

i (j) = y, as in you
o (ɔ) = as in off
n = as in no
o (ɔ) = as in off
r = as in right

There is very little recorded use of Ionor being used as a name and, despite being regarded as a feminine name, it has just as much use as a masculine name.

There is no recorded use of Ionor as a given name for any gender, but it has been recorded as a feminine middle name four times – first in 1930, and last in 2016. In comparison, Ionor has been recorded as a masculine middle name three times – first in 1883, and last in 1926.

Ionor has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

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Ionwen
feminine; pr. jɔnwɛn; meaning: blessed ruler, from iôn (lord, ruler) + gwen (white, fair, blessed)

detailed pronunciation

i (j) = y, as in you
o (ɔ) = as in off
n = as in no
w = as in was
e (ɛ) = as in well
n = as in no

Ionwen can be considered a variation of Iorwen and a feminine form of [name_m]Iorwerth[/name_m].

The first recorded use of Ionwen as a given name is 1912, and the most recent recorded use is 2003.

Ionwen has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

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Iorath
masculine; pr. jɔraθ; meaning: worthy lord, from iôr (lord, ruler) + gwerth (value, worth)

detailed pronunciation

i (j) = y, as in you
o (ɔ) = as in off
r = as in right
a = as in bat
th (θ) = as in think

Iorath is a variation of [name_m]Iorwerth[/name_m].

The first recorded use of Iorath as a given name is 1984, and the most recent recorded use is 2005.

Iorath has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

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Ioseff / Joseff
masculine; pr. joseːf / dʒose:f

detailed pronunciation

i (j) = y, as in you / j (dʒ) = as in just
o (ɔ) = as in off
s = as in see
e = as in bed
ff (f) = as in find

Welsh form of [name_m]Joseph[/name_m].

The only recorded use of Ioseff as a given name is 1991, but Ioseff has been recorded as a middle name as early as 1988 and as recent as 2006.

The first recorded use of Joseff as a given name is 1577, and the most recent recorded use is 2007.

Ioseff has not appeared in official statistics, but Joseff has been recorded every year since records began. As ‘J’ is a modern letter within the Welsh alphabet, the popularity of Joseff is unlikely to be exclusively from Welsh origin/influence.

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Irwen / [name_m]Irwyn[/name_m]
unisex; pr. i:rwɛn / i:rwɪn; meaning: green water, from ir (green, fresh) + afon (river, water)

detailed pronunciation

i (j) = y, as in you
r = as in right
w = as in was
e (ɛ) = as in well / y (ɪ) = e, as in roses
n = as in no

The meaning of Irwen/Irwyn is not conclusively known, but is most commonly believed to originate from [name_m]Irvine[/name_m], which is composed of the Brythonic elements ir (green) + *aβon (river).

[name_m]Irvine[/name_m] (Brythonic) > [name_m]Irving[/name_m] (Scottish) > [name_m]Irvin[/name_m] (English) > [name_m]Irwyn[/name_m] (Welsh) > Irwen (Welsh, feminine)

Alternatively, Irwen/Irwyn is suggested to originate from the Old [name_f]English[/name_f] Eoforwine, meaning ‘boar friend’.

Eoforwine (Old English) > [name_m]Irwin[/name_m] (English) > [name_m]Irwyn[/name_m] (Welsh) > Irwen (Welsh, feminine)

Lastly, Irwen/Irwyn can be considered a variant spelling (or misspelling) of Eirwen/Eirwyn, meaning ‘white snow’.

Although Irwen is generally regarded as a feminine name in Welsh, and [name_m]Irwyn[/name_m] as a masculine name, they have been used interchangeably as both masculine and feminine given names.

The first recorded use of Irwen as a given name is 1676, and the most recent recorded use is 1957.

The first recorded use of [name_m]Irwyn[/name_m] as a given name is 1725, and the most recent recorded use is 1966.

Irwen and [name_m]Irwyn[/name_m] have not appeared in official statistics since records began.

[Carys1]

Two names today because I will likely be unable to post anything until [name_f]Sunday[/name_f] next week, at the earliest.

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Leri
feminine; pr. lɛri

detailed pronunciation

l = as in like
e (ɛ) = as in well
r = as in right
i = e, as in be

Leri is a diminutive of [name_f]Eleri[/name_f], Meleri and [name_f]Teleri[/name_f].

The first recorded use of Leri as a given name is 1755, and the most recent recorded use is 2006.

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Llawen
unisex; pr. ɬawɛn; meaning: joyful, from llawen (happy, merry, jovial, joyful, delighted, etc.)

detailed pronunciation

ll (ɬ) = similar to a ‘fricated whispered’ l (or just use l, as in like)
a = as in bat
w = as in was
e (ɛ) = as in well
n = as in no

The modern interpretation of Llawen is that it originates from the word llawen but traditionally, it is believed to be a variation of the name [name_m]Llywelyn[/name_m].

There are several places near Aberdaron in [name_m]Wales[/name_m] that include llawen, such as Llanllawen (Parish of [name_m]Saint[/name_m] Llawen). [name_m]Saint[/name_m] Llawen was a pupil of Cadfan, the founder of the first clas (single building church) in [name_m]Wales[/name_m]. [name_m]Saint[/name_m] Llawen’s name is often recorded as Llewen, which is believed to be a corrupted spelling of [name_m]Llywelyn[/name_m]. Historically, the spelling of [name_m]Llywelyn[/name_m] was frequently altered, especially in Anglo-Norman texts, due to difficulties in representing the pronunciation of ll.

The first official recorded use of Llawen as a given name is 1991, and the most recent recorded use is 2003. Although Llawen was traditionally a masculine name, it is considered unisex today.

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Llefelys
masculine; pr. ɬɛvɛlɪs

detailed pronunciation

ll (ɬ) = similar to a ‘fricated whispered’ l (or just use l, as in like)
e (ɛ) = as in well
f (v) = as in very
e (ɛ) = as in well
l = as in like
y (ɪ) = i, as in it
s = as in see

Llefelys was a wise and prudent man who became [name_m]King[/name_m] of [name_f]France[/name_f] after marrying the daughter, and sole heir, of the late king. Llefelys was the brother of Lludd, the [name_m]King[/name_m] of [name_f]Britain[/name_f], and the fourth son of [name_m]Beli[/name_m] Mawr ap Manogan, according to Lludd a Llefelys.

The tale of Lludd a Llefelys is mostly recorded within the [name_f]Red[/name_f] Book of Hergest (c.1400), but the beginning can also be found in the White Book of [name_m]Rhydderch[/name_m] (c.1325). Additionally, an earlier transcript, with only slight verbal differences, can be found in Brut y Brenhinedd (c.1225-1250).

Lludd a Llefelys

During the reign of Lludd, the island of [name_f]Britain[/name_f] became troubled with three plagues: the first was a group of invunerable people called the Coraniaid; the second was a terrifying scream heard across the land; and the third was the theft of provisions. Lludd, unsure of how to fight these plagues, consulted Llefelys, who immediately knew of his brother’s troubles and how to help.

As the Coraniaid were said to have hearing so powerful that they could hear any sound carried by the wind, Llefelys constructed a long horn made of bronze to converse through with Lludd. Llefelys informed Lludd that crushing certain insects and mixing them into water makes a concoction that is harmless to his people but deadly to the Coraniaid. Llefelys advised Lludd to gather everyone into one assembly, under the pretence of making peace, to spray the concoction over the crowd. Lludd did as Llefelys instructed and saved his people from the Coraniaid.

Llefelys explained that the scream was that of two fighting dragons – Lludd’s dragon and a dragon of a foreigner. Llefelys ordered Lludd to measure the length and breadth of [name_f]Britain[/name_f] and to dig a pit at the exact centre, where a tub full of the best mead with a covering of silk should be placed. Llefelys explained that Lludd will need to keep watch to see the dragons rise into the air before falling onto the silk covering and landing in the tub, where they would then drink the mead and fall asleep. Llefelys instructed Lludd that, as soon as the dragons are asleep, he must immediately wrap them in the silk covering and bury them in a stone coffer, hidden within the earth in the strongest place possible. Llefelys informed Lludd that as long as the dragons remain secure, [name_f]Britain[/name_f] will be safe from all other plagues. The events unfolded as Llefelys had foretold and Lludd buried the dragons at Eryri (Snowdonia).

Llefelys described the third plague as a mighty man of magic who caused everyone to fall asleep so he could carry off the food and drink. Llefelys advised Lludd to keep watch over his provisions, with a tub of cold water to submerge himself in if he becomes drowsy. Following a great feast, Lludd began his watch and, during the night, he heard music and became drowsy. After emerging from the water to stay awake, Lludd saw a man of huge stature in heavy armour filling a hamper with all of the provisions before leaving. Lludd called out to the man to stop and a fight ensued. Lludd was victorious and the giant’s life was spared on the promise to make good on all the losses.

The first official recorded use of Llefelys as a given name is 1907 and the most recent recorded use is 1910. Llefelys has seen very limited use as a name, in general, but has been more popular as a middle name. The first recorded used of Llefelys as a middle name is 1915 and the most recent recorded use is 2001. Llefelys has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

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Maelor
masculine; pr. mailor; meaning: land of the prince, from mael (prince) + llawr (ground, the [name_f]Earth[/name_f], region)

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
ae (ai) = eye
l = as in like
o = aw, as in raw
r = as in right

According to Welsh legend, Maelor Gawr was a giant who lived at Castell Maelor before “the coming of [name_m]Brutus[/name_m] to this island”. Castell Maelor was built on Pendinas (high hill of Y Dinas), near Aberystwyth.

The tale of Maelor (or Maylor) Gawr and his three sons, Cornippin Gawr (or Cornippyn), Crygyn Gawr and Bwba Gawr, is recorded in Olion Cewri Cymru… (Remains of the Giants of Wales…) by [name_m]Siôn[/name_m] [name_m]Dafydd[/name_m] [name_f]Rhys[/name_f] (c.1590).

The tale chronicles the capture of Maelor twelve miles from his own castle. His enemies had sentenced him to death and his final request was to blow his horn three times. His son, Cornippin, heard the sound of his father’s horn and rushed to his rescue. Cornippin attacked his father’s captors and was slain in the battle. Maelor’s other two sons, Crygyn and Bwba, vowed to slay any man who dared to approach their respective strongholds, up until they themselves were slain by the same unnamed cunning warrior in the same night.

The tale of Maelor Gawr has a lot more… unsettling and bizarre (probably the best way to describe it) details to it, which I decided to spare you all from.

The earliest official recorded usage of Maelor as a given name is 1858, and the most recent recorded use is 2005. Maelor has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

Although Maelor is regarded as masculine name, it has seen increasing usage as a feminine middle name since the 1970’s. However, it is still overwhelming a masculine name in comparison.

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Malen
feminine; pr. malɛn

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
a = as in sat
l = as in like
e (ɛ) = as in well
n = as in no

Diminutive/variant form of the biblical name [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f].

The first recorded use of Malen as a given name in [name_f]England[/name_f] & [name_m]Wales[/name_m] is 1540, within the Bedfordshire Baptisms index. The most recent recorded use is 2006.

Malen has only appeared in official statistics twice – in 2011 and in 2012 – where 3 births were recorded in each year.

Although Malen is a feminine name, it has also seen frequent use as a masculine middle name and occasional use as a masculine given name, but has not appeared in official statistics as such.

[ClareB]

[name_m]Just[/name_m] added it - can’t believe we didn’t have it already! Diolch yn fawr for this brilliant thread!

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Medeni
feminine; pr. mɛde:ni; meaning: born in [name_f]September[/name_f], from medi (September) + geni (to be born)

detailed summary

m = as in me
e (ɛ) = as in well
d = as in do
e = as in bed
n = as in no
i = e, as in be

The first recorded use of Medeni as a given name is 1872, and the most recent recorded use is 1997.

Medeni has only been recorded as a feminine given name but, between 1849 and 1909, Medeni was also recorded as a masculine middle name.

Medeni has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

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Medwen / Medwyn
feminine / masculine; pr. mɛdwɛn / mɛdwɪn

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
e (ɛ) = as in well
d = as in do
w = as in was
e (ɛ) = as in well / y (ɪ) = i, as in it
n = as in no

Medwen is the Welsh form of Mawdwen (Cornish), and both are forms of [name_f]Modwen[/name_f] (Irish), which is believed to come from modh (manners) + wen (woman).

Medwyn is believed to be the Welsh spelling/form of Medwin, which comes from the Old [name_f]English[/name_f] mǽð (power, reverence) + wine (friend).

Alternatively, some sources consider Medwen to be a feminine form of Medwyn, and others consider Medwyn a masculine form of Medwen. However, as Medwyn has been recorded as early as the 2nd century, whereas Medwen was not recorded until the 7th century, it is more likely that Medwen is a feminisation of Medwyn (if one influenced the other).

A modern interpretation of Medwen is that it comes from bedwen, meaning birch (tree).

In official records, the first known use of Medwen as a given name is 1871, in the Caernarvonshire Burials index, and the first known use of Medwyn as a given name is 1593, in the Nottinghamshire Burial index. The most recent recorded use of Medwen is 2002, and the most recent recorded use of Medwyn is 2006.

Medwen has not been ranked in official statistics since records began but Medwyn was recorded in 2006, as it was used for 3 baby boys.

Notable Figures

St. Mawdwen
St. Mawdwen (also known as Modwen) was a follower and nun of St. [name_m]Patrick[/name_m] who founded [name_m]Burton[/name_m] [name_f]Abbey[/name_f] in Staffordshire in the 7th century.

St. [name_f]Modwen[/name_f]
St. [name_f]Modwen[/name_f] went to [name_f]England[/name_f], educated [name_f]Edith[/name_f] and founded an abbey at Polesworth – The [name_f]Abbey[/name_f] [name_m]Church[/name_m] of St [name_f]Editha[/name_f].

St. Medwyn
A Welsh saint who’s feast day is celebrated on 1st [name_f]January[/name_f].

Medwyn
A character in The Chronicles of Prydain by [name_m]Lloyd[/name_m] [name_m]Alexander[/name_m]. He was the protector of Prydain’s animals and was able to communicate with them. In The Book of Three, it is implied that Medwyn may be akin to the biblical figure [name_m]Noah[/name_m].

Medwin
According to the Book of Llandaf, Meduuinus (or Medwinus; Medwin) was sent to Elfan (Eluanus) by [name_m]King[/name_m] [name_m]Lucius[/name_m] to Pope Eleutherius in [name_m]Rome[/name_m], 156AD, to ask that he be made a [name_m]Christian[/name_m].

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Mefin
feminine; pr. mɛvɪn; meaning: [name_f]June[/name_f], from Mehefin (June)

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
e (ɛ) = as in well
f (v) = as in very
i (ɪ) = as in it
n = as in no

Mefin is a contracted form of Mehefin.

The first recorded use of Mefin as a given name is 1933, and the most recent recorded use is 2006.

Although Mefin is considered a feminine name, it has only been used as a masculine name since 1997.

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Meilys
unisex; pr. mɛilɪs

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
ei (ɛi) = ai, as in pain
l = as in like
y (ɪ) = e, as in roses
s = as in see

Meilys was the son of Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn ap Gwerystan, king of Powys. There is very little known about Meilys, other than he was killed at the battle of Mynydd Carn in 1081. His name is often (mis)transcribed as Meilyr and Meilir.

The meaning of Meilys is unknown, and the meaning of Meilyr / Meilir is disputed. Some sources theorise that Meilyr / Meilir comes from Mai (May) + llŷr (the sea), but others suggest it means “man of iron” with no etymological evidence.

Based on the possible construction of Meilyr / Meilir, Meilys could be composed of Mai (May) / mai (field, plain) + llys (plant), or a corruption of Old Welsh mail (prince) + an unknown second element or suffix.

The first official recorded use of Meilys as a given name is 1891, and the most recent recorded use is 1958. Meilys has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

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Meirian / Meirion / Meiriona
unisex / masculine / feminine; pr. mɛirian / mɛiriɔn / mɛiriɔna

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
ei (ɛi) = ai, as in pain
r = as in right
i = e, as in be
a = as in sat / o (ɔ) = as in off
n = as in no
/ a = as in sat

There is almost no information available on the origin and usage of the name Meirian. Although, it appears to have been a predominantly masculine name traditionally, and a more feminine name today.

One source suggests it is a Welsh form of [name_f]Marian[/name_f], which either derives from [name_m]Mars[/name_m] or Latin maris (male). However, most sources indicate that Meirian is a form of Meirion, which comes from the name of the county Meirionnydd (Merionethshire).

The meaning of Meirion is most commonly regarded as “dairyman”, but has also been suggested to mean “green”, or derive from the Latin name [name_m]Marianus[/name_m].

Meiriona is a feminisation of Meirion, and therefore may mean “dairywoman” or “green”, or be the Welsh form of [name_f]Mariana[/name_f].

The first official recorded use of Meirian as a given name is 1741, in the Anglesey Marriages & Banns index, and the most recent recorded use is 2002. Meirian has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

The first official recorded use of Meirion as a given name is 1837, according to the 1871 [name_f]England[/name_f], [name_m]Wales[/name_m] & [name_f]Scotland[/name_f] Census, and the most recent recorded use is 2006. Meirion has appeared in official statistics for a few years, including the most recent recorded year, 2021, where it was recorded as being used for 3 baby boys. The most popular year for Meirion was 1999, when it was given to 5 baby boys.

The first official recorded use of Meiriona as a given name is 1893, and the most recent recorded use is 1990. Meiriona has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

Notable People

Meirian
Daughter of [name_m]Richard[/name_m] [name_m]Morris[/name_m] (1703-1779), a scholar from Anglesey who became a leading figure within Welsh [name_f]London[/name_f] communities. Her name was rendered as [name_f]Marian[/name_f] in [name_f]English[/name_f].

St. Meirian (or possibly Meirion)
[name_f]An[/name_f] Orthodox Welsh saint connected to St Meirian [name_m]Church[/name_m] in Llanfeirian, Anglesey – a medieval church or chapel believed to have been in use up until c.1750. St. Meirian’s feast day is celebrated on 4th [name_f]February[/name_f].

Merion ab [name_m]Owain[/name_m] Danwyn (c.470)
Named in Bonedd y [name_m]Saint[/name_m]. This is believed to be the birth name of St. Meirian.

Meirion ap Tybion
Meirion ap Tybion is said to have slain [name_m]Beli[/name_m] ap Benlli Gawr.

Meirion had migrated to [name_m]Wales[/name_m] with his brothers and grandfather before the death of his father, Tybion ap Cunedda. Following his father’s death, Meirion distributed his father’s possessions.

In the Harleian genealogies, Meirion’s name is recorded with the Latinised spelling Meriaun. This book is a collection of manuscripts regarding the line of princes of Meirionydd. In the text [name_m]Early[/name_m] Welsh genealogical tract, it states: Meriaun filius eius diuisit possessiones inter fratres suos (“Meirion his son divided the possessions among his brothers”). The text suggested that Meirion did not take his own share, but this was later deemed incorrect as it was discovered that Meirion’s lineage was inaccurate. He had been recorded as the son of Cunedda, with no mention of Tybion.

The error was later corrected in the Hanesyn [name_f]Hen[/name_f] tract, which stated: “Meirion Meirionnydd ap Tybion ap Cunedda distributed [the possessions] among his uncles, and the cantref which is called from his name, that is Meirionnydd, came as his own portion”.

[Carys1]

Meirionwen
feminine; pr. mɛiriɔnwɛn

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
ei (ɛi) = ai, as in pain
r = as in right
i = e, as in be
o (ɔ) = as in off
n = as in no
w = as in was
e (ɛ) = as in well
n = as in no

A feminisation of Meirion, formed by combining Meirion with gwen (white, fair, blessed).

The first recorded used of Meirionwen as a given name is 1899, and the most recent recorded use is 1999. Meirionwen has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

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Meirwen
feminine; pr. mɛirwɛn; meaning: blessed [name_f]Mary[/name_f]

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
ei (ɛi) = ai, as in pain
r = as in right
w = as in was
e (ɛ) = as in well
n = as in no

A variant spelling of [name_f]Mairwen[/name_f], which is a combination of [name_f]Mair[/name_f] (Mary) + gwen (blessed).

The first recorded used of Meirwen as a given name is 1903, and the most recent recorded use is 2003. Meirwen has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

[Carys1]

Menai
feminine; pr. mɛnai; meaning: narrow water, from main (narrow) + aw (water)

detailed pronunciation

m = as in me
e (ɛ) = as in well
n = as in no
ai = eye

Menai is the name that was given to the strait which separates Anglesey from [name_m]Gwynedd[/name_m].

Battles at Menai Strait

The Menai Massacre

In 60AD or 61AD, the Romans invaded Anglesey along the shores of the Menai Strait with the aim of destroying one of the last remaining strongholds of the Celts and the Druids. The battle is remembered for being extremely violent. The Romans were initially ‘paralysed with fear’ at sight of the Celts armed with torches and weapons, and the sound of the Druids chanting curses. However, the Romans were eventually able to fight back and ‘cut down every man and woman in their path’ and surrounded them with their own flames.

Battle of Anglesey Sound

In Welsh history, this battle is considered the liberation of [name_m]Wales[/name_m] from the Normans by the Norwegians. In 1098, the Norwegian king, [name_m]Magnus[/name_m] Barefoot, entered the Menai Strait with the supposed intention of trading, but the Normans refused to let him dock. A fight broke out between the Norwegian ship and [name_m]Norman[/name_m] archers on the shore of Anglesey. During the battle, an arrow fatally hit [name_m]Hugh[/name_m] of [name_m]Montgomery[/name_m], signalling Norwegian victory. In the aftermath, the Normans retreated to [name_f]England[/name_f] and [name_m]Magnus[/name_m] declared that Anglesey was now in his possession. However, as the Norwegians never settled on the island, it reverted to Welsh control in 1099 when [name_m]Gruffudd[/name_m] ap Cynon, [name_m]King[/name_m] of [name_m]Gwynedd[/name_m], returned from [name_f]Ireland[/name_f].

Battle of Moel-y-don

In 1282, as part of [name_m]Edward[/name_m] I’s plan to conquer [name_m]Wales[/name_m], [name_m]Luke[/name_m] de Tany’s men completed the construction of a bridge of boats across the Menai Strait. However, [name_m]Tany[/name_m] decided to go against the plan as he believed he could defeat the Welsh himself. He began crossing the bridge with his men but was met with a large army sent by [name_m]Llywelyn[/name_m] ap [name_m]Gruffudd[/name_m], who had been notified of the crossing. The Welsh army greatly outnumbered Tany’s men, and the rising tide meant they were unable to return across the bridge. In fear, many took their chance in the water but, due to their heavy army, they instantly drowned. The [name_f]English[/name_f] had over 400 losses in the battle, whereas the Welsh had very few casualties. The Welsh victory over the [name_f]English[/name_f] set back [name_m]Edward[/name_m] I’s plans to conquer [name_m]Wales[/name_m].

The first recorded use of Menai as a given name is 1823, and the most recent recorded use is 2005. Menai has not appeared in official statistics since records began.

Although Menai is considered a feminine name, it has seen occasional use as a masculine name.