Welsh Names for Boys

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.

Extremely common in Wales and England, Dafydd would likely leave some non-Welsh speakers confused at first. But we love the soft, lispy quality this variation offers.

This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.

Terminally outmoded.

The name of the patron saint of Wales is virtually unknown in the US under this spelling. There were no baby boys named Dewi or Dewie in the US in 2021, though there were 35 named Dewey. Incredibly enough, Dewey ranked among the US Top 1000 for an entire century, from 1887 to 1986, reaching as high as Number 19 in 1898.

A medieval Welsh form of Tudor. Rhys ap Tewdwr was an 11th-century king of Deheubarth in Wales

Noted bearers of this surname include a metaphysical poet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a baseball Hall of Famer, so there's plenty of hero-name inspiration.

An obscure possibility...for a girl.

The Welsh form of Geoffrey.

A nice beachy name, but one that would require constant explanation.

We don't think a boy would want to be called a sham.

Unusual twist -- but everyone will hear it as Justin -- or jester.

Now that Kimberly is no longer one of the top girl names, Kim or long form Kimball feel more gender neutral.