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Original poster

Thoughts on Arwen vs Eden

83 replies

HRF2022 · 27/05/2025 12:11

Hello! Just wanting to get people's thoughts...sister for Willow - stuck between these two names!

I absolutely love the name Arwen, but my concern is that it is too linked to Lord of the Rings. I'm not a particular fan of the books/ films but I don't dislike them, my husband likes them. I didn't actually realise Arwen was from LOTR and fell in love with it when my husband suggested it so it was only after I found out the link.

Would people automatically assume we were super fans if they heard this name, or do you think it could be a standalone name in it's own right?

Our other choice is Eden, which we both like, but I can't help but feel Arwen is a bit prettier and unusual.

Would love to know your thoughts!

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timoteigirl · 27/05/2025 13:22

I prefer Arwen to Eden but could assume you are Welsh or a LOTR super fan. Eden is a river as well. Have you looked at other Welsh names such as Eirwen?

lurkerchan · 27/05/2025 13:12

Arwen is nicer

NewUserIDRequired · 27/05/2025 12:52

I know an (adult) Arwen and have never given LOTR a second thought. It's a great name and has a similar nature vibe to Willow in my opinion.

HarryVanderspeigle · 27/05/2025 12:49

Well one of her parents is a LOTR fan, so surely that's fine to use. If people ask, you say yes her father is a fan surely? Beautiful name.

DramaAlpaca · 27/05/2025 12:48

I think you can use Arwen, despite its LOTR connection. It goes beautifully with Willow. I prefer it to Eden.

Dstoat · 27/05/2025 12:47

I like Arwen better than Eden but either way she will spend her life clarifying that she is a woman.

GreyhoundGal1 · 27/05/2025 12:47

I'm afraid they would think you're super fans because Arwen isn't a name outside LOTR (as far as I know). See behind the name that gives history: https://www.behindthename.com/name/arwen

There are similar names Elowen and Anwen that you might like though?

Meaning, origin and history of the name Arwen

The meaning, origin and history of the given name Arwen

https://www.behindthename.com/name/arwen

AnnaQuayInTheUk · 27/05/2025 12:45

I've only ever heard it in LOTR but it's a lovely name and I would use it.

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