Thoughts on Arwen vs Eden

[HRF2022]

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!

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

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?

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

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

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.

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.

Arwen is nicer

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?

@timoteigirl , Arwen is from LOTR, not Welsh. Eirwen is very old fashioned - a 90yr old's name - and I dread to imagine how someone who doesn't speak Welsh would say it.

Eden seems a bit downmarket but is OK.

I like Arwen (but I'm a LotR fan) and I teach a lovely girl with that name. I'm not so keen on Eden tbh.

Change it to Awen. Pronunciation is the same and it can't be confused then.

I like Eden. It goes well with Willow. Willow and Arwen is a bit w heavy to say together.

Eden is far nicer.

Awen and Arwen aren't pronounced the same.

I would assume you were Welsh.( ‘Celtic origin meaning ‘berry, fruit’.) There were a couple in my little Welsh village school in the late 70’s.
I’ve never seen LOTR though.

@Vroooooom , where did you get that meaning? It looks completely wrong.

If it was a Welsh name, it would probably mean 'near+white/blessed'.
The Welsh name that means berry is Aeron.

Oooh I really like them both!

I know a child called Arwen and never thought of Lotr’s. It’s a lovely name and I much prefer it to Eden.

Arwen is lovely.

Arwen is a lovely name, very much a similar vibe to Willow and despite being a LOTR fan, I hadn't realised it didn't exist outside of it. I confess I had thought it was Welsh.
I'm not a fan of Eden, partly because I know one and she's an utter horror.

Dislike Eden.

Arwen is lovely and yes, has LOTR vibes but so what?

I also love Anwen (which IS Welsh) and means very fair or very beautiful.

I also love Anwen (which IS Welsh) and means very fair or very beautiful.
It's Ann+wen, so means grace+blessed.
It is Welsh, and seems to be a 1940s name.

Arwen is a beautiful name. I wouldn't assume you were LOTR fans, although I do assume all the baby Aryas have GOT fans for parents!

Eden is fine.

I don't know any male Arwens or Edens- they are female names to me.

How about Astrid instead of Arwen?

@TheyFuckYouUpYourMamAndDad agree - much prefer Anwen (and a proper Welsh name!)