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Baby names

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

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Original poster

Emrys for a baby without Welsh background

40 replies

WinterPoppy · 06/01/2025 15:26

I would like to call my son Emrys. We are a Spanish family living in London, and while I adore this name, we have no Welsh connections. I've seen online forums where mums discuss this name for their future babies and comments often include questions like "are you Welsh?" as if the name would only be suitable if they were. This makes me wonder whether using it for my son is inappropriate or could even be seen as cultural appropriation. So many names transcend cultures, but it may be different when the name is uncommon? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks all!

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HugoYorway · 09/01/2025 08:21

@IamnotwhouthinkIam , Tristan isn't Welsh. Dylan was made popular by Bob Dylan, so it doesn't really compare.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 08/01/2025 23:53

At least you now know if you name your son Emrys @WinterPoppy , you/he could end up meeting someone like @HugoYorway . Better make up some Welsh heritage quickly! 🤣

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 08/01/2025 23:48

HugoYorway · 08/01/2025 22:38

but have no Welsh heritage and speak little Welsh yet you can say no cultural appropriation.

Well I'm not Polish and can claim that calling your baby Nikodem or Franciszek is not cultural appropriation.

I don’t think you read my post properly, try again 🙄 Let me guess, you think a non Welsh speaking person calling their son Dylan or Tristan is cultural appropriation too? I know several English and American Dylan’s for example with not a scrap of Welsh heritage. Good luck out there in the real world 🤣

HugoYorway · 08/01/2025 22:38

but have no Welsh heritage and speak little Welsh yet you can say no cultural appropriation.

Well I'm not Polish and can claim that calling your baby Nikodem or Franciszek is not cultural appropriation.

iwentjasonwaterfalls · 08/01/2025 22:29

Nah, go for it. If I met someone called Emrys I'd ask if they were Welsh, but only out of interest because I'm Welsh - there'd be no judgment whatsoever if the answer was "no".

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 08/01/2025 22:22

Not cultural appropriation - otherwise choice of names would be very limited and the majority of the population’s parents would be guilty of it 🤣

It’s just that until a name becomes commonplace it can sound unusual outside that culture/country. For example I wouldn’t assume a Dylan is Welsh or even had Welsh links as it’s quite popular in many English speaking countries.

But Emrys is rarely used outside Wales and unless people are familiar with the Arthurian Legend (or have seen Merlin on TV 🤣), he likely going to have to explain how to spell it, possibly even how to pronounce it, and maybe sometimes get asked if he’s got Welsh links.

If it’s your absolute fave name, then is any of that the end of the world? No, thousands of people deal with a similar thing with their own names. But if you are mulling between several names then it’s something to consider.

(Btw I love Emrys and actually live in Wales - but have no Welsh heritage and speak little Welsh so decided against it, but only as there were other better known names I like as much).

Whatisityoucantface · 08/01/2025 19:15

Oh I would use it, it’s a favourite of mine. I know plenty of Lola’s with no Spanish connection!

HugoYorway · 06/01/2025 17:22

There's nothing wrong with it but I think it will end up being shortened to Em.
There are many Welsh names I like more.

Moreteaandchocolate · 06/01/2025 16:45

It’s not my favourite Welsh name to be honest but go for it if you love it!

HugoYorway · 06/01/2025 16:42

It's Ambrosio in Spanish.

SunshineFlowersFood · 06/01/2025 16:34

I agree with other posters. I would use it if you like as it is easy to pronounce and so doesn't require a discussion most of the time. I think it's a beautiful name also. :)

Sk1sk0 · 06/01/2025 16:06

Lovely name - was on our original list. I have Welsh grandparents so would be a tenuous link for me! I think it’s fine to use :)

Chersfrozenface · 06/01/2025 15:41

I don't see why not. It's easy to pronounce for English and Spanish speakers alike.

(It actually has a Latin root - Ambrosius.)

paranoiaofpufflings · 06/01/2025 15:32

A name is just a name. Plenty of people use names from cultural origins different to their own. If you like the name, use it. Emrys is lovely!

MistyF · 06/01/2025 15:28

are you OK with using name in the middle? And having more expected first name instead? I would use Emrys if i liked it despite no Welsh association.