Welsh Names for Girls

The feminine version of the common Welsh name Glyn became somewhat known in this country via the charming Welsh actress Glynis Johns. Variations include Glenys and Glynys. With other Welsh names--Gwyneth, Bronwyn, Bryn, Griffith--now on the American table, Glynis could make a distinctive tribute to an Uncle Glenn.

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.

The most modern choice in this group, and the most distinctive; the Gwyn form is a common male name in Wales.

Gaynor is an early androgynous name with a positive association, related to the Cornish megahit name Jennifer.

Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.

Eigra is a name with a great mythological and literary past - it is the Welsh version of Igraine/Ygraine, who was the mother of King Arthur.

A bit of a tongue-twister.

Delwen appears to be a modern invented name in Welsh, deriving from two common name components: del - meaning pretty and wen - meaning fair/white. Similar names include Delyth, also Welsh, and Elowen, which is Cornish.

A strong, classic, simple name that has nonetheless never been overexposed.

Gwyladyss is an Old Welsh variation of the New Welsh Gladys, pronounced like the more familiar form, but modern English speakers can be forgiven for not knowing that. Gladys would be a difficult enough name for a 21st century child; with this spelling, it would be impossible.

Santes Ffraid is the traditional Welsh name for St Bridget, the Irish national saint and legendary miracle worker. The connection becomes clearer through the Scottish form of the name, Bride. It's worth noting that it sounds like the English word "fried".

A traditional Welsh name that looks like a variant of Arden, but actually derives from the Welsh word for "beautiful".

The Good Witch's first cousin.

The spelling makes the tradition Non even more of a non-name.