Welsh girl's names... bit of a different request...

[Arlanymor]

... not for a baby - for me!

I've gone by my middle name my whole life - it was the one my parents have always called me - but I dislike my first name (the name I am never called except anywhere where there are official documents - like at the GP surgery). I like it on other people but it means nothing to me and there is no familial or cultural link with it, it's just a very generic name.

I raised the issue last week with my parents of finally changing my first name and they have been very supportive. I was willing to change my first name to another with the same initial to keep my current initials - to mirror my dad's - but having spoken to him last night he doesn't mind at all about that.

So... exciting times... I get to choose my own middle name! I could just stick with my middle name and my surname and jettison my first name altogether... but I really like the idea of choosing my own middle name. In fact I'm quite excited by the prospect!

So please can you throw your favourite Welsh baby names at me (I'm female).

I quite like Cadi, (An)Eira (I was born when it was snowing)... names you hear a bit less frequently. Not sure I have the gumption to plump for Tangwystl mind you! Oh and my name is Rhian, so can't have Arianwen or similar. Diolch!

Gwen
Nia
Seren
Cerys

I’ve always liked Betsan and Lowri

Thank you! I really like Gwen, but I work with one and also know a Seren. I'm a fan of Cerys though, I prefer it to Carys.

I think of Morwenna as a Cornish name, but think it's welsh too?
Or Myfanwy, Delyth, Lowri are nice..

I love Cerridwen or Caridwen

Thank you! I love Lowri too actually. Betsan is too close to my sister's name unfortunately, sorry I should have mentioned that.

It is also Welsh - it means 'White Sea' - which is really lovely. On the list!

I know a Delyth and Myfanwy is my dad's favourite song, but it makes him cry, so might have to avoid that one.

Thank you!

I’ve known a Myfanwy and a Carys, both of them lovely.

I really, really like Ceridwen, plus there is a cauldron link with Rhian as well - one in the Mabinogion and the other in the Taliesen. But sadly I mentioned Ceridwen to my dad last night and he didn't like it - despite almost calling me Ceinwen! (Which my mum vetoed at the time as it was the same as the name of a goat that lived at the end of our road!) So sadly he's put the kibosh on that one!

They are lovely names - I think there is an artist called Myf as a diminutive of Myfanwy which is very cute I think. The only issue is the sad song, but my dad loves it and so do I, but it does make us tearful!

I’ve always thought Alys was lovely.

I also like
Sian
Elin
Bethan
Angharad
Seren
Megan
Haf

Thank you! Yes I love Alys. My mum suggested Angharad, which I'm thinking about. The others I already know IRL!

Anest
Mererid
Mabli
Eos (nightingale)
Fflur
Meinir
Gwawr
Eleri
Elin

I love Gwenllian and Ffion but they do basically almost rhyme with Rhian so maybe not!

That's a shame as she's wonderful and what great energy.

Rhiannon

Oh wow, thank you - some I had totally not even thought of, that's ace! I love Gwenllian too, but know a couple and yes a bit almost-rhyming!

Eos has really got me thinking...

Well then I would be Rhian Rhiannon Surname! I know there are David Davies and the like, but I'd like something a bit different, much as I love my name!

Totally - it was my first choice and it would have retained my original initials. Great story - means 'inspiration/muse' - but hey ho, dad veto wins!

I love Bronwen/Bronwyn! Also like Erin but not entirely sure if it's Welsh?

You don't hear Llinos any more and it's a lovely name. My vote would be Eira though

I love Blodeuwedd but it might be a difficult ask.

Bronwen is lovely, but that's my cousin unfortunately (well name-wise, she's lovely, it's not unfortunate that she's my cousin!) Erin is used in Wales but not a Welsh name per se, but now you've made me think of Aerona as well...

Cadi

I love that one too, it's definitely on the list.

I like Tirion too, but too close to vowel sounds in Rhian.

I do too! But I worried for the same reasons as you - enough people struggle with my little five-letter name.