If you’re expecting a baby boy, you may be searching for a name that honors your or your partner’s Welsh heritage. There are plenty of Welsh names to choose from, whether they are popular or lesser-known. Some of the most common Welsh names for boys are Elis, Rhys, and Lewis.
Elis is a unisex name that derives from the Hebrew name Eilish. It means “God’s promise” and is commonly picked by religious parents, although you do not need to be religious to enjoy this name.
If a name with religious ties isn’t what you’re looking for, you may prefer a name like Rhys, which is of true Welsh origin and means “enthusiasm.” Rhys is a great name for baby boys, as it signifies a newborn’s newfound drive for life.
Although Lewis is a popular name amongst baby boys in Wales, it is actually of English origin, and has a strong and boisterous meaning, as it means “renowned warrior.” Besides Elis, Rhys, and Lewis, the name Celyn is also a common Welsh name. It means “pure and holy,” and is amongst the top 100 boy names in Wales.
A less common but up-and-coming Welsh name for boys is Arwel. Arwel is a Welsh word that means “prominent.” Many famous people have the name Arwel, like Arwel Thomas, a Welsh rugby player and TV personality, as well as Arwel Richards, a Welsh businessman and revered journalist.
Aberthol
Meaning: Sacrifice
Origin: Welsh
Addolgar
Meaning: Devout
Origin: Welsh
Adwr
Meaning: Coward
Origin: Welsh
Addae
Meaning: Morning sun
Origin: African (Ghanian)
Gender: Girl
Aedd
Meaning: A king of Ireland
Origin: Welsh
Alawn
Meaning: Harmony
Origin: Welsh
Alun
Meaning: From the Celtic Alan meaning harmony, stone, or noble
Origin: Welsh
Alwyn
Meaning: From Alwyn
Origin: Welsh
Amathaon
Meaning: Legendary son of Don
Origin: Welsh
Amhar
Meaning: Legendary son of Arthur
Origin: Welsh
Andras
Meaning: Manly; brave. Variant of English Andrew
Origin: Welsh
Angor
Meaning: Anchor
Origin: Welsh
Anwar
Meaning: Wild
Origin: Welsh
Arwel
Meaning: Prominent
Origin: Welsh
Bevin
Meaning: Youthful
Origin: Welsh
Bleidd
Meaning: Wolf
Origin: Welsh
Brac
Meaning: Free
Origin: Welsh
Bradwen
Meaning: Legendary son of Moren
Origin: Welsh
Bran
Meaning: Raven
Origin: Welsh
Brian
Meaning: Legendary son of Turenn. ‘Strong’
Origin: Welsh
Bryn
Meaning: Hill. Many Welsh place names begin with the word ‘Bryn’
Origin: Welsh
Cadarn
Meaning: Strong
Origin: Welsh
Caden
Meaning: Spirit of battle
Origin: Welsh
Cain
Meaning: Clear water
Origin: Welsh
Cedrik
Meaning: Gift of splendor
Origin: Welsh
Celyn
Meaning: Pure and holy
Origin: Welsh
Clud
Meaning: Lame
Origin: Welsh
Craig
Meaning: Rock
Origin: Welsh
Deverell
Meaning: From the river bank
Origin: Welsh
Dilan
Meaning: Born near the sea
Origin: Welsh
Drem
Meaning: Sight
Origin: Welsh
Earwin
Meaning: White river
Origin: Welsh
Elis
Meaning: God’s promise
Origin: Hebrew
Evan
Meaning: Young
Origin: Welsh
Folant
Meaning: Strong
Origin: Welsh
Garnock
Meaning: Dwells by the alder tree river
Origin: Welsh
Gerwyn
Meaning: Fair love
Origin: Welsh
Glyn
Meaning: Valley
Origin: Welsh
Gwern
Meaning: Old
Origin: Welsh
Hydd
Meaning: Deer
Origin: Welsh
Hywel
Meaning: Eminent
Origin: Welsh
Idris
Meaning: Fiery lord
Origin: Welsh
Ithel
Meaning: Generous lord
Origin: Welsh
Ken
Meaning: Clear water
Origin: Welsh
Kent
Meaning: White
Origin: Welsh
Kynan
Meaning: Chief
Origin: Welsh
Lewis
Meaning: Renowned warrior
Origin: Welsh
Llundein
Meaning: From London
Origin: Welsh
Maddoc
Meaning: Beneficent
Origin: Welsh
Mathias
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Welsh
Rhys
Meaning: Enthusiasm
Origin: Welsh