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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Arwen/Arwyn

22 replies

MrsVik · 27/09/2009 19:50

This is on the table as a middle name for our daughter. I can't decide if I like it or not, really.

Not sure if it's Welsh, as some websites claim, or an invention of Tolkien, which others claim.

What are your reactions? Feel free to slate, I might just need a kick up the bum on this one.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Northernlurker · 27/09/2009 19:53

It's a bit too closely associated with Tolkien imo. You will sound like a mad middle earth freak.

moondog · 27/09/2009 19:54

Arwyn is a boy's name here in Wales. Don't know any Arwens.

janeite · 27/09/2009 19:56

I think it's nice as a middle name. Wouldn't use it as a first name though. And I liked it better before the bloomin' Liv Tyler link, as I thought she was useless.

TeamEdwardTango · 27/09/2009 19:56

Arwyn as boys name, best said in proper Welsh accent.
The only Arwen's I know are cats.

bigstripeytiger · 27/09/2009 19:59

I think Arwen is lovely, but the LOTR connection would put me off ever using it.

Tidey · 27/09/2009 20:01

If you do use it, Arwen looks nicer. I do think you'd have to be quite brave though. Agree with janeite too - Liv Tyler was v annoying, with her big horsey face and crying too much.

Original poster

MrsVik · 27/09/2009 20:06

Yes, I think I prefer Arwen - especially if Arwyn is a boy's name!!!

OP posts:

Anya4 · 27/09/2009 21:07

Love it ! Like Anwen too.

theagedparent · 27/09/2009 21:19

Arwyn is nicer. I used to know an Eowyn which is also quite nice.

MrsBadger · 27/09/2009 21:24

Anwen is pukka welsh and much better IMO

ChilloHippi · 27/09/2009 21:27

I think it's a lovely name. I met a family last week and the daughter was called Arwen.

VerityBrulee · 27/09/2009 21:34

There is a lady on Irish radio, she does traffic reports, called Arwen, I seem to remember her saying that her parents were Tolkien fans, hence the name.

KleineMaus · 27/09/2009 21:57

I knew an Arwen (girl) as a kid, and that was in Scotland. It was unusual but didn't seem odd. I like it. Didn't know about the LOTR connection, I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't.

MrsBadger · 27/09/2009 22:00

oh I know one IRL - ahe must be about 20 now

it does sound pretty but the first thing you think of is 'hippy tolkein parents'.

Arianne?

TotallyUnheardOf · 27/09/2009 22:04

I know an Arianwen (not sure of spelling, but that's how it's pronounced) which I think is absolutely beautiful.

MrsBadger · 27/09/2009 22:07

oh so do I!

bet it's the same one, you can;t get many of those to the pound

florence2511 · 28/09/2009 02:10

I worked with an Arwen once. Her Parents were LOTR fans. She was lovely and the Character Arwen was lovely so go for it.

ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight · 28/09/2009 16:57

I know a Dwynwen which is welsh and lovely, pronounced Doinwen. But if you aren't welsh would be a bit silly.

Vivia · 29/09/2009 09:11

Elwyn is better, I know a gorgeous girl of that name.

GooseyLoosey · 29/09/2009 09:14

Arwen sounds lovely but you will never get away rom the LOTR connection

skihorse · 29/09/2009 10:11

Only if you're a gog - else you'll sound like a pretentious twat and law of the playground dictates he'll forever be known as the sheepshagger.

Jamieandhismagictorch · 29/09/2009 11:05

I think it has a lovely sound.

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