Cornish Names

Ancient martyr name that sounds totally modern, but perhaps too close to rumor.

This name is unusual enough that the spelling variation won't be too much of a further complication. While the Biblical cognate Cain may be more classic, this removes the name from any negative associations.

This name of an ancient saint and one of the first knights of King Arthur's Round Table has a modern, if feminine, feel.

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related. The name is usually used for girls.

This Cornish variant of Isolde is rare even in the UK - but that's part of its charm. Like Isolde, Eseld is generally thought to mean "ice battle", a meaning sure to be pleasing to a little girl in this age of all things "Frozen".

Prideaux is a Cornish place name and surname that is occasionally attested as a girls' first name. It likely stems from the French phrase "pré de eaux", meaning meadow of waters. For fans of Margaux, Prideaux might be a less-common and very pretty alternative.

This rare sixth-century saint's name has a modern, merry feel.

St. Keverne is a town on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula and also the name of an ancient saint. While the name is virtually unused for children in the modern world, it could be a Kevin update and has contemporary possibilities.

Made familiar by poet William Blake. According to Blake, after her death, Conwenna "shines ... over the north with pearly beams gorgeous and terrible". Make of that what you will.

Bronnen is an attractive name but is similar to so many others -- Brennan, Brannon, Bronwen -- it's sure to provoke a lot of "What was that again?"

Kew is an offbeat name of a saint from Cornwall with boyish appeal.

This Celtic saint's name is the most offbeat Jen name of all.

Updates the old religious day name.