Definitely want a welsh name, any thoughts on shortlist?

[nightandthelight]

Girls:

Aneira
Arianwen
Ceridwen
Enfys (too much like envy?)
Nesta
Tagwen

Boys:

Aneirin
Bleddyn
Emrys (has this been ruined by BBCs Merlin?)
Heddwyn
Maredudd
Seth

[drudgetrudy]

I like Arianwen and Aneurin. I didn't know Seth was Welsh.
Ceridwen sounds a bit witchy .
I like Anest better than Nesta but only because I know a few women in their 50s called Nesta.

[barbecue]

I like Aneira, Arianwen, Ceridwen, Aneirin, Emrys, Seth.

[tangledtanga]

Sorry but I think there are much nicer Welsh names than the ones you've listed. The only one I like is Emrys.

[nightandthelight]

That's ok tangled :) which do you like?

[DilysPrice]

I guess to some extent whether you care about them being English-friendly (or internationally transferable). As a non-Welsh speaker of Welsh descent I'd say that Bleddyn Heddwyn and Maredudd are the ones which are going to be really challenging for people who don't know much about Welsh to get their heads around, but you aren't obliged to care about that. I like Seth but then I'm a big Cold Comfort Farm fan. I prefer Aneurin as a spelling (socialist DH) but I know lots of people have reservations about it. And Emrys is very nice - I can't see Merlin being a problem in five years' tome when he's at school; it wasn't that big a hit.

All the girls' names are lovely with the exception of Enfys.which i can take or leave.

[SocksRock]

Anwen is a lovely one - and said in English exactly as it's written which makes it easier if you live in England.

[nightandthelight]

Thanks ladies :) I live in Wales but realise that dc may not always so should definitely consider how pronounceable it is. I have a Welsh name that people struggle with, it doesn't bother me but it might not be the same for dc.

DH isn't keen on Seth because of the Egyptian god of the dead :(

Emrys I think is my fav for a boy and like you say dilys it's unlikely to be remembered now the show is over :)

I love Anwen socks but have this fear that people will think it's too like Arwen and thus a bit LOTR!

[cdwales]

hi we went through this! Ended up with Huw. In my view the Welsh boys names are pretty good but the girls names quite the opposite... Ffion has been very popular in recent years in North Wales. Having to spell it to non-Welsh folk is a bit of a pain - and the pronunciations that come out of mobile phone messaging/voicetexts is ridiculous!
For what it is worth these do not have the spelling handicap:
Arwen, Arian, Anwen, Gwen, Bryn, Geraint, Aled, Tomos, Eleri, a.nd my fave Rhiannon (cf Fleetwood Mac)
these do a bit:
Angharad, Rhys, Dafydd, Sioned/Sion, Sian

Pob hwyl!

[nightandthelight]

Thanks cd :) I love huw but it's my dad's name!

My name is Angharad so that's definitely out too. Eleri is pretty! I really like the name Arian as well but saw comments about the fact that most people will associate it with cash, hence the Arianwen.

[Highlandbird]

Love Enfys that has always been my favourite name for a girl! I also love Branwen.
Love all of the boys names, especially Bleddyn and Aneurin. Have only seen meredydd spelt like this though, not how how you spelt it in your op.
I'm biased as it's DS2's name but you might also like Gruffydd?

[Lunastarfish]

I love Ceridwen but I'm not welsh enough to pull it off!

[Highlandbird]

Love the name Angharad have you thought of Eirlys for a girl as well? I have a very difficult welsh name too, and have been living outside of Wales for the past 11 years....it's a pain sometimes but I still wouldn't change it, and I think if you live in Wales it shouldn't be a problem!

[CordeliaFoxx]

Glyn is Welsh meaning "from the valley", my DBs name.

[Whipnaenae]

Haf

[nightandthelight]

That's interesting highland, I found that spelling on a website but could very well be incorrect! Definitely something to double check :) Gruffydd is lovely and Gruff a great nn. Also love Eirlys! What's does it mean?

I know a lovely Glyn Cordelia which always warms me to a name :) don't live in a valley but I'm sure people won't check that :p

Loving all the ideas, so much food for thought :) luckily only 9 weeks so loads of time. Only definite at the mo is that it has to be Welsh.

[nightandthelight]

Can I get away with a Haf for a Feb baby do you think whip? Although I guess of I went with that rule I could only use Aneira if it snows when dc is born!

[SocksRock]

My youngest is Anwen, we live in England and I have never had any comments about LOTR, so I would definitely use it if you like it :-)

[FortyCoats]

I love the name Sian

[SocksRock]

Eirlys is snowdrop

[SocksRock]

Anwen roughly translates as "most beautiful" :-)

[nightandthelight]

That's good to know socks! It may be that I know too many people who are really into fantasy so overestimate how many people will make the association :) Will definitely go on the shortlist then.

I do like Sian forty (and indeed it's English form Jane) but I can't get over the fact that the only two Sians I have met I haven't liked :(

[nightandthelight]

Ooh eirlys would be perfect for February then socks! Prime snowdrop season :) with regards to Anwen what happens if my dc is less than good looking?!!!!!!

[SocksRock]

Your own DC are always the most beautiful, surely?!?

Eirlys definitely perfect for a Feb baby. It's definitely the best month to be born in!

[TempsPerdu]

Arianwen is stunning - this would definitely be my girls' choice. Probably Aneurin or Emrys for a boy.

[nightandthelight]

This is true socks but I am aware that from an outside point of view they might not be and then it might be viewed a little ironically! I have yet to see my dc and I already believe them to be the most beautiful (in close competition with my cats) :)

Thanks temps :) Emrys seems to be getting a good reaction for a boy so that's awesome.