Alternatives to Anwen?

[DrowsyDragon]

Hello, we’re expecting dd2. (Well probably, scans can be wrong). I’m welsh, though not welsh speaking (dw’in dysgu) and my husband is antipodean as is all of his family. I have a fairly traditional welsh name and I really want to pass welsh names down to my kids. Husband is ok with that as long as they are “not too hard” for non welsh people. DD1 is called Alys.
He’s really set his heart on Anwen for dd2 but my parents were really rude about it when he suggested it last time - old fashioned and frumpy?
I increasingly like it but I am not sure and as my husband has an A name too I worry it seems like we are doing an “a” name theme.
Basically, thoughts on Anwen, Lots of names with the same letter in one family and any other anglophone friendly welsh girls names. [he’s vetoed Eira and Mali to my disappointment). Thanks!

I like it, but I’ve no idea if it’s dated or not.
Olwen?

Arwen. I know a lovely one.

Tanwen

Anwen is nice. I think it's OK with Alys as it's only the first letter that's similar, and all the consonants are different.

Bronwen
Angharad
Seren
Carys
Eluned

@DrowsyDragon I think it’s pretty, I prefer Arwen for its elven feel (lotr) but they’re both nice. I don’t think the ‘a’ name thing is a problem necessarily unless the names themselves are very similar other than the initial. Maybe some kind of differentiating factor for the girls in terms of middle name different initials for post etc. Alys is gorgeous. Alys and Anwen/Arwen are cute as a button (but also lovely on grown ladies).

Just use Anwen? Never discuss names with anyone till the baby is here. They won't dare to comment when you call them in the dead if the night that little Balonz was born healthy and is the cutest baby ever (because new parents can't see that newborns actually look like winston churchill). Then they only say congratulations, much better.

Elowen? It’s a Cornish name, not welsh tho.

Anwen is lovely. I'm not Welsh and don't know or care if it's old fashioned, it's gorgeous - as is Alys. I do slightly prefer Arwen, though I'm not sure if it's actually Welsh or just Welsh sounding.

I love Anwen! I have no connection to Wales and am not the slightest bit Welsh but it’s actually a name on my radar....

As others have said - Arwen / Awen is closest and also adorable!

I have taught a Branwen! That grew on me - she was known to her closest friend as Bran Flake I must admit but she was the kind of girl who took it as a fun nickname and loved it and it was only her best friends that used it.

I love Serren (not sure if it's double r or single?) and Carys.

Arwen is Welsh, I know an Arwen and her mum wanted Welsh names

Elsbeth
Alys
Carys
Bethan
Megan

Nia?

I was going to say Arwen

If you like Anwen use it.

Lots of popular names are “old fashioned” - Florence, Hazel, Mabel, Elsie, Phoebe, Edith.....no one bats an eyelid at those! Most people won’t realise Anwen is old fashioned I don’t think.

Anwen is lovely!
I am not wesh though and never met an Anwen so I don't know if it's old fashioned but don't worry about it if you love it.
It certainly doesn't sound frumpy.

Gwenaele
Gwenno
Elin
Nerys
Ffion (my favourite)
Sian

Rhoswen

Anwen is lovely. names are only old fashioned and frumpy when attached to old fashioned frumpy people.names are being reinvented all the time.

What about Bronwen?

Gwenllian
Carys
Haf
Medi
Mali
Seren
Ffion
Eirlys
Lili
Betsi
Lowri

I think it is beautiful

Anwen isn't old fashioned.

My fav Welsh names atm are:
Gwenno
Manon
Annest

If you like it use it, your parents have had their turn at naming children.

My Mum, sister and other DC disliked the name we picked for DC4. I still used it and it's completely grown on them.

My only reservation is that your using a second A name. I'm not keen on having same letter names for siblings but many people do it.

Sorry just seen your husband has a A name too. Three is definitely a theme.