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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Your immediate thoughts on Anwen?

93 replies

CoalCraft · 23/04/2021 23:06

Just that really - Have you heard it before? What do you associate it with, if anything? Do you like it?

Would ALS really appreciate knowing what region you're from if you don't mind sharing.

Thank you!

OP posts:

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stodgystollen · 25/04/2021 18:50

You're thinking of Anvers (Antwerp)

Thewinterofdiscontent · 25/04/2021 17:44

I think it sounds nice and clearly Welsh.
However my immediate thought was it’s a town in France or Belgium. Never met anyone called it.

NB just googled in case there was; there’s an Arwen Town in China!

NothingIsWrong · 25/04/2021 17:43

My daughter is Anwen :-) we live in England, I'm English, her dad is Welsh and a first language Welsh speaker. Very few issues with spelling or pronunciation.

NameChangedForThisFeb21 · 25/04/2021 17:42

I love it. I’m not Welsh but I am a Celt.

Came across an Australian Arianwen which is lovely but Anwen is unfussy, uncomplicated and beautiful.

PurBal · 25/04/2021 17:39

Love it

BurbageBrook · 25/04/2021 17:38

It’s very Welsh yes. I would immediately think Wales. But that’s not a bad thing! Nice name.

Arrierttyclock · 25/04/2021 17:34

Beautiful name I love it

KirstenBlest · 25/04/2021 14:01

Anwen isn't really classic, it's a 20th century name (Ann+wen), but Branwen is a very old name.

Anwen is popular with non-Welsh speaking parents. The only problem will be with misspellings - Annwen or Anwin/Anwyn. Anwyn is a bit unfortunate.

Alwen is nicer IMO - it's the name of a river

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 25/04/2021 02:19

Lovely, classic, pretty name - and not difficult for people to know how to pronounce either. It also makes my mind side-step to Branwen as another option.

As for it 'screaming' "I'm Welsh", why is it a bad thing if it markedly reflects the family heritage? Nobody (I would hope) would 'accuse' British parents of Asian heritage of the same if they chose to call their child Jasvinder or Baljit. Heritage is (usually) a good thing: it's who we are now in the light of where we've come from.

theheartofthematter · 24/04/2021 22:06

Oh and I am English with no welsh heritage, I just think it is beautiful

theheartofthematter · 24/04/2021 22:04

If I had a baby tomorrow (not going to happen I'm done with babies) it would be number one on my list. I adore it. Ever since listening to the bbc radio drama 'curious under the stars'

PlainJane1000 · 24/04/2021 21:48

I'm English born living overseas. Immediate thoughts are older Welsh lady. Sensible name.

Wolfiefan · 24/04/2021 21:48

I can’t see an issue with a name that “proclaims” being welsh. It’s not hard for non welsh people to spell or pronounce. (Not welsh but bloody love Wales and think it’s something to be proud of to be welsh!)

BunnyRuddington · 24/04/2021 21:44

Lovely Welsh name. I'm from NW England.

Dingleydel · 24/04/2021 21:36

From SW England (I did have a Welsh grandmother). My first thought is it’s a very pretty and lovely Welsh name. I have never met an Anwen.

Thefaceofboe · 24/04/2021 21:29

Lovely name!! - I know one in Bristol, who’s 3 but she parents are Welsh.

partyatthepalace · 24/04/2021 21:20

Haven’t heard of it, would get Welsh, and after a scroll down can see that’s right - I think it’s lovely, though PP suggestion of Annest I like even more.

AppleStars · 24/04/2021 21:19

I've heard the name before but don't know where from. I'm Irish and think it's a beautiful name.

BackforGood · 24/04/2021 19:42

I like it.
Yes, I've heard it before, but I onlt know one person with the name (she'd be mid 50s now).
I'm born and bred in the Midlands, BUT of Welsh parents and the person I knew was the dd of Welsh parents too.
Yes, it "screams" Welsh, BUT it is easy to pronounce for English only speakers and easy to spell, so I think it is lovely.

Imissthegym · 24/04/2021 19:17

Love it. I’d presume Welsh parents. I wish I’d been brave enough to go for one of the many beautiful Welsh name. Being English living in South Wales I just felt like I couldn’t.

I know a couple and an Arianwen (which is also beautiful) and a Rhianwen. All primary school age.

FedUpAtHomeTroels · 24/04/2021 19:09

Nice name it was my best friend in school's name. I always think it sounds girly, I know a few of them, most are Welsh speakers.

CalonGaled · 24/04/2021 19:05

I know a few, all over 70.

pigglepot · 24/04/2021 18:48

I would definitely assume Welsh. I've never heard of an English Anwen. Is it a girls name? I assumed male and it feels quite masculine to me

StillRailing · 24/04/2021 15:39

I didn't realise it was Welsh.
A pretty name to my ear.

Cindie943811A · 24/04/2021 15:35

I’m afraid I agree with you OP, it proclaims Welsh to me, however such a pretty name and one that most English like me would probably be hesitant to use for fear of being accused of appropriation.
Bit of a bind, isn’t it! Be proud of your heritage and grab the chance to use such a great name if you love it. Good luck

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