Looking for the perfect boy name with rich history? This collection of 20 Welsh names offers a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and modern appeal. With an average peak popularity in the Gen Alpha Peak, these names trace their roots to Welsh, British, and Irish, reflecting deep linguistic traditions.
Names in this collection that reached their peak popularity most recently.
EllisBowenIdris
Most Established
Names with the highest historic birth counts in the Social Security dataset.
DylanGavinEvan
Recently Declining
Names that are currently showing a downward trend in annual registrations.
GavinEvanOwen
Collection Insights
Most Popular
The name with the highest overall peak birth registrations.
Dylan
This name brings to mind the power of the ocean, translating from Welsh as "son of the sea" or "great tide." Dylan has deep Celtic roots and signifies a connection to wild, untamed waters. You might think of the famous poet Dylan Thomas, known for his lyrical writing.
16,696 births at peak (2001)
Fastest Rising
The name showing the strongest positive growth in recent years.
Ellis
This name started out as a surname, but now it’s a familiar first name for both boys and girls. It comes from Welsh and British backgrounds, signifying someone "wise" or a "leader." You might associate it with a quiet strength and a refined feel.
1,832 births at peak (2025)
Rare & Unique
A less common name in this list that offers a distinctive choice.
Jones
Most people know Jones as a common surname, but it’s an intriguing choice as a first name. With Welsh and British origins, it essentially means "son of John," carrying the idea of "God is gracious." Think of the adventurous Indiana Jones; it gives the name a distinct, daring feel.
332 births at peak (2025)
Full List of Welsh Boy Names
Displaying all 20 names in this collection, sorted by peak historic birth registrations. Data reflects the highest recorded annual births in the United States based on SSA records.
Dylan
2 SyllablesStable
This name brings to mind the power of the ocean, translating from Welsh as "son of the sea" or "great tide." Dylan has deep Celtic roots and signifies a connection to wild, untamed waters. You might think of the famous poet Dylan Thomas, known for his lyrical writing.
16,696 births at peak (2001)
Gavin
2 SyllablesFalling
Where does a name like Gavin come from? This Welsh and Scottish name carries the distinguished meaning of "white hawk" or "illustrious." It gained popularity in medieval Arthurian legends, giving it a touch of old-world charm that still feels fresh.
11,889 births at peak (2007)
Evan
2 SyllablesFalling
You’ll find this name often used in Wales, where it’s a form of John. It has Welsh and Hebrew origins, and it can signify 'youth' or 'God is gracious.' Sometimes, it’s also associated with the idea of a warrior, giving it a versatile feel.
10,410 births at peak (2007)
Owen
2 SyllablesFalling
Hailing from Welsh and Irish traditions, this strong boy’s name signifies 'noble' or 'well-born.' It also carries the idea of a 'young warrior,' giving it a powerful edge. You often hear it in Celtic regions, and it has a friendly, approachable sound.
10,331 births at peak (2016)
Trevor
2 SyllablesFalling
With its Welsh origins, this name translates as "great settlement" or "wise." It has a classic, British sound that feels both strong and thoughtful. You'll find it appearing in literature and film, giving it a familiar, established presence.
6,616 births at peak (1998)
Tristan
2 SyllablesFalling
This name carries the idea of courage, translating as "brave" or "warrior" from its Celtic and Welsh roots. It’s well-known from the ancient tales of Tristan and Isolde, a classic part of Arthurian legend. So, it has a long history in literature and mythology.
5,844 births at peak (1996)
Dillon
2 SyllablesFalling
You might recognize this name for its strong, steady sound, often found in Irish surnames. Dillon is actually a form of the Welsh name Dylan, which translates as "son of the sea" or "great tide." It also has Irish connections, meaning "loyal."
5,082 births at peak (1992)
Marvin
2 SyllablesStable
Doesn't this name have a vintage sound to it, feeling both familiar and a bit uncommon? It has Welsh origins, where it meant "sea friend," and also German ties, signifying "illustrious friend." The name brings to mind a certain classic charm, like that of musician Marvin Gaye.
4,484 births at peak (1928)
Maddox
2 SyllablesFalling
From its Welsh background, this boy's name means "son of Madoc," which translates to "fortunate" or "good." It carries the idea of being lucky, strong, and brave. Many people became familiar with this name after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt chose it for their son, boosting its profile.
3,147 births at peak (2017)
Ellis
2 SyllablesRising
This name started out as a surname, but now it’s a familiar first name for both boys and girls. It comes from Welsh and British backgrounds, signifying someone "wise" or a "leader." You might associate it with a quiet strength and a refined feel.
1,832 births at peak (2025)
Griffin
2 SyllablesStable
This name brings to mind the mythological creature, a powerful beast with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. It has Welsh and Irish roots, carrying the idea of someone who is brave and strong. It’s a distinctive choice that feels both ancient and fresh.
1,750 births at peak (2023)
Bowen
2 SyllablesRising
With its distinct sound, Bowen feels connected to its Welsh and Celtic heritage. It translates as "noble" or "warrior," suggesting a strong and honorable spirit. Many people know it more as a surname, but it works well as a first name too.
1,328 births at peak (2025)
Kane
1 SyllableFalling
From its roots in both Irish and Welsh, this strong name translates as "warrior" or "beautiful." It carries a straightforward, modern feel that many parents appreciate for its clean sound. This name also has connections to ancient Celtic chieftains.
1,055 births at peak (2018)
Kendrick
2 SyllablesFalling
If you're looking for a name with a lot of strength, this one fits well, translating as "great ruler" or "royal champion" from its Welsh and Scottish roots. It has an older, distinguished feel, but also sounds fresh today. The name gained a lot of recognition through the acclaimed American rapper, Kendrick Lamar.
1,054 births at peak (2013)
Reece
1 SyllableRising
From its Welsh background, this name translates as "leader" or "brave." It was originally a surname, but it has become a first name for boys, giving off a strong and capable impression. You can hear its British heritage in its sound.
998 births at peak (2005)
Rhys
1 SyllableStable
This is a classic Welsh name that has a powerful sound and history. It signifies a leader and someone brave. While it’s been around for a long time, it still feels fresh and a little unique for a boy today. It carries a quiet strength.
995 births at peak (2024)
Rowen
2 SyllablesRising
Coming from Welsh and Irish roots, this name often brings to mind the Rowan tree, known for its bright red berries. It also carries the powerful ideas of strength and bravery. You'll find it used for boys, giving it a calm, nature-inspired feel.
892 births at peak (2024)
Dilan
2 SyllablesStable
With a dual heritage, Dilan comes from both Welsh and Turkish traditions. In Welsh mythology, it was the name of a sea god, often signifying "son of the sea." But in Turkish, the name translates as "love," giving it a gentle touch.
414 births at peak (2024)
Idris
2 SyllablesRising
What's interesting about this name is its dual background, with roots in both Arabic and Welsh traditions. It carries meanings like "scholar," "leader," or "powerful," so it suggests both wisdom and strength. You might know it from the actor Idris Elba, which gives it a familiar yet unique feel.
397 births at peak (2025)
Jones
1 SyllableRising
Most people know Jones as a common surname, but it’s an intriguing choice as a first name. With Welsh and British origins, it essentially means "son of John," carrying the idea of "God is gracious." Think of the adventurous Indiana Jones; it gives the name a distinct, daring feel.