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!

Margedd?

Aww thanks - it IS exciting isn't it! I'm going to give myself my new name for my birthday in February! Eluned is gorgeous.

These are great, thank you so much! Begw is a great one, hadn't even crossed my mind. I know exactly what you mean about the Welsh spellings versus Welsh derivation issue - it's been on my mind as well. I think I prefer the latter, although it is a bit more limiting. Iola is great!

That is really nice, but we have a Marged on my dad's side so can't use that unfortunately - my cousin calls her 'Margarine' - which she loves apparently!

My daughter's mother in law is called Buddug, which I think is splendid.

Pronounced Bith-ig I'm told.

Yes that is a good point about Blythe (which is pretty too as you say).

Ooh yes, it is splendid! It means victorious! Modern Welsh for Boudicca I believe, which is ace. Thank you!

Gosh you are a lovely lot, thanks so much for all of this. I'm so excited by it, 45 years I have had my current name and the first name has never sat right, so it's brilliant to be able to change it with my parent's blessing and to choose my own. You've all given me such epic ideas, I am really rather overwhelmed! xxx

Can you take inspo from where you are from? Many Welsh location names are used as middle names such as Myrddin, Meirion, Clwyd, Elwy, Mona, Dwyfor, Madog etc?

You have to let us know what you go for!

Definitely Fflur! Such lovely Welsh names 😍

That's an interesting idea - I live in Abertawe/Swansea (hence my username!) so anything with môr is good - and originally from Coed Duon/Blackwood (me and the Manic Street Preachers!) Well I'm from the outskirts, but a bit too outing to say where, but needless to say names relating to the sea or woods/forests are very apt. I quite like river names too, but probably not Taff! Teifi is pretty...

Oh I promise I will! Will come to a decision this month, do the legal bit next month and then have my shiny new name ready to roll come February!

So pretty isn't it! 😍

Another vote for Cadi. I also love Lowri, Mair (my mam's name), Mabli, Menna, Megan, and Angharad.

Rhian Fflur sounds elegant, classic and friendly. Based on what you've said about names, you're probably not far from me! Although Wales is small anyway!

I've always loved the name Dwynwen so that would be my choice.

Morwenna and Eirlys, I also want to say Elinor, but not sure if that is actually Welsh.

I love Welsh names! Lucky you, OP!

I need to know how old you are as some names are 'ageing' or a bit young for someone not a baby, if you see what I mean.

Totally forgot about Menna, I love that too! Thank you!

Too true! I am down by the sea in Swansea, love it here - hello neighbour! 👋

Dwynwen is lovely - and it's her day next month! Thank you!

Morwenna and Eirlys both great - it's the Welsh for Eleanor, so yes but not fundamentally Welsh if that makes sense? Thank you!

Sorry thought I put in my OP - 45, going on 46. Yes I do know what you mean.

But a youthful 45! Not quite ready for the tartan blanket just yet!

Aww thanks, I know I am biased, but I am a fan!