Welsh Names for Boys

A blend of Mervyn and Marvin that is every bit as dated as either of the originals. That -erv sound is difficult no matter what. Mervin is still used today among Amish families.

An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan, Yale Pollack is the name of Woody Allen's best friend. The Hebrew Yael is not related.

Parry is quite common in Wales, often as a surname, but would inevitably be misunderstood as Perry or even Harry.

Evans is an historic Welsh patronymic surname, derived from Evan, which is a form of John. With Evan's popularity in the U.S. and the U.K. -- it's a Top 50 names -- the stylish s-ending version may also be on the rise.

Welsh form of Richard.

An alternative spelling of Tristan, and also the modern Welsh form of the legendary hero's name.

Very popular in Wales; this could make a nice middle name in honor of a Grandpa Glenn.

Ifor seems to make more sense in its Anglicized version, Ivor.

This is a both fresher and cooler spin on David.

With the fashion for all names Rom, this strong surname with ties to Old Master painter George has new possibilities. Obviously, it now has more political associations than artistic.

Cadell is a surname that is unlikely to win many supporters, except perhaps from parents looking for an alternative to Caden. But while Cadell is more distinctive, that L ending is weaker and less appealing than Caden's strong N.

A more authentic -- and difficult -- version of Sean.

This name of a river in Wales represents a vowel change from Alan, which makes the name somewhat more intriguing, but still possibly not intriguing enough. Bonus points if you're a surfer, sailor, or you're expecting a baby born under a water sign of the zodiac: It's one of the more unusual names that mean water.

Simplify things and spell it Dai, or even Day.

The Welsh way to spell Price, which is more complicated but elevates it beyond the monetary realm.

Ieuan is a Scrabble-rack full of impossible vowels. Consider Ewan, Ian, or Owen instead.