Cornish Names

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?"

The odds that Bryluen will become a success in the US are low, but that might be all the more reason to snag it for yourself. It's a Cornish word meaning "rose," and has only been used as a name in modern times.

Just one letter off from Corentin, but an entirely different name — the Cornish variation stresses the middle syllable, while the French stresses the last. And in America, where both versions are unknown, people are likely going to guess that the emphasis belongs on the first syllable.

A punchy modern Cornish name derived from a place name, which is of disputed origin. It is sometimes said to derive from a rare Welsh name, Maeldaf, plus dinas, the Cornish for "fort". Another theory is that it comes from Cornish ty "house" plus malsai "eel" – likely a reference to Cornwall's fishing trade.

This old Cornish name took on a whole new identity via Denzel Washington, who has inspired several thousand namesakes. The actor was named after his father, who was named for a Dr. Denzel, who delivered him.

A modern Cornish word name with a sturdy natural namesake. Derwa is a related Cornish saint's name.

Ebrel is the Cornish word for the month of April, recently adopted as a baby name. Ebrel is a charming and accessible update to the now-dated month name.

Less known than other Cornish beauties like Demelza, Elowen and Kerensa, Elestren is a pretty Cornish botanical name ripe for wider usage.

A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A (currently) unique member of the fashionble El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.

Endellion is the name of an early saint who was a daughter of King Brychan and goddaughter of King Arthur whose life is commemorated by the Cornish village of St. Endellion. This intriguing ancient name was brought into modern usage by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who used it as one of the middle names for his fourth child, a baby girl.

Cornish form of Endellion

Jago is a dashing alternative to overused favorite Jacob.

This Cornish word name would make an excellent choice for a first-born daughter.

Kerensa, forever romantic, is a rare Cornish name spelled with an 's' or 'z', the most modern of the Karen family. Kerensa (or Kerenza) has ties to the Welsh Cerys.