William Camden flourished at the beginning of the seventeenth century, was the first and one of the greatest of many authorities on the derivation and meaning of English names as far as Welsh names were concerned, he explained that it was his policy to sparingly touch them or to leave them to the learned of that nation. Subsequent English expositors have followed his example, and the learned men of Wales do not seem to have found much time to devote to the subject. To- wards the end of the nineteenth century T. E. Morris and Sir John Edward Lloyd wrote a number of articles in various periodicals, and much incidental information is found in the works of Sir John RhFs, but very little has been published which is easily available, either to the student or to the more casual enquirer. It is hoped that, in due course, a more substantial work will help to fill this gap in philological reference books, but meantime this little volume is offered to those who are curious about the derivation and meaning of the beautiful and often ancient names of Wales. It may, perhaps, be conned by young parents seeking a name for their child. If so, those without Welsh connections are advised to reject the idea of finding one here, and those with sufficient ties to justify choosing one are admonished to use the utmost care Gwenhwyfar Smith or Cadwaladr Robinson looks just as incongruous as Cholmondeley Kai-shek - for just the same reason. The names which have been included are, for the most part, fairly well-known or popular ones the derivation or meaning of some is uncertain, and in these cases the one given is that which, considering all the evidence, seems most probable. After many of the entries are examples of early, famous, or merely typical uses of the name. Nearly all Welsh names can be sorted easily into one of seven groups. Those in the first four are Welsh in origin but the remainder, although they have acquired a distinctive Welsh form, derive from foreign sources. SYMBOLICAL NAMES These are usually the most ancient. They are not directly descriptive, but, as among most primitive people, they are often the names of animals, birds or natural phenomena. Sometimes their origin was totemistic the tribe or family believed itself to be under the special protection of a god whose manifestation was in the form of some particular creature. The creature itself was regarded as sacred and the chief, or head of the family, frequently took its name, or some combination containing it, for himself. At other times the giving of such a name was based on the more simple idea that so doing would induce in the infant some significant attribute of the beast from which his name was taken. As might be expected, the names of the old gods and legendary heroes are frequently of this type, such as Bran Raven , Bleddyn Little Wolf and Gwawr Dawn . When they are chosen to-day, of course, it is generally with little regard to their meaning, or symbolism, but simply because they are the traditional names of the people. Enfys Rainbow is a modern example in this group. Many of these too are very old...

While the quest for the perfect name is deeply personal, it is not without its challenges. We understand the weight of this decision and have crafted this book with a few guiding principles in mind. Firstly, we encourage you to embrace the significance of cultural and familial connections. Many names carry stories of ancestry, traditions, and legacies that can enrich your child's sense of identity. Secondly, consider the resonance of the name with your values and aspirations. A name can shape perceptions and influence the way your child perceives. Whether you aspire for a name that exudes strength, kindness, or creativity, let the essence of the name align with your hopes and dreams for your little one. Lastly, while trends come and go, the timeless nature of a name is an essential consideration. Striking a balance between uniqueness and enduring appeal ensures that your child's name stands the test of time, reflecting both contemporary sensibilities and the enduring beauty of tradition.

The Place-Names of Wales was originally published in 1998 and reissued in 2005 in the Pocket Guide series. This current updated publication adds some thirty entries, which importantly take into consideration more recent research. The entry for each place-name provides details of historical forms and dates; analyses each name into its component linguistic elements; tracks the later linguistic development of the name and the influences upon it particularly within a bilingual society; compares the name with similar names elsewhere, and interprets that meaning within the history of Wales and in the local context having regard for the landscape and changing land-use. In addition to explaining the link between place-names and language, history and landscape, the introduction includes a section on the significance of place-name study, and a short section to allow non-Welsh speakers to understand some relevant sound-changes.

This new book examines all of the available source materials, dating from the ninth century to the present, that have associated Arthur with sites in Wales. The material ranges from Medieval Latin chronicles, French romances and Welsh poetry through to the earliest printed works, antiquarian notebooks, periodicals, academic publications and finally books, written by both amateur and professional historians alike, in the modern period that have made various claims about the identity of Arthur and his kingdom. All of these sources are here placed in context, with the issues of dating and authorship discussed, and their impact and influence assessed. This book also contains a gazetteer of all the sites mentioned, including those yet to be identified, and traces their Arthurian associations back to their original source.

An authoritative dictionary of the meanings and derivations of Welsh place-names. The first of its kind in Wales, this volume deals with most of the place-names of Wales as well as prominent features of the landscape. Also includes an invaluable glossary of the place-name elements. First published in November 2007.

This new book examines all of the available source materials, dating from the ninth century to the present, that have associated Arthur with sites in Wales. The material ranges from Medieval Latin chronicles, French romances and Welsh poetry through to the earliest printed works, antiquarian notebooks, periodicals, academic publications and finally books, written by both amateur and professional historians alike, in the modern period that have made various claims about the identity of Arthur and his kingdom. All of these sources are here placed in context, with the issues of dating and authorship discussed, and their impact and influence assessed. This book also contains a gazetteer of all the sites mentioned, including those yet to be identified, and traces their Arthurian associations back to their original source.

Welsh Names contains a selection of Welsh girls' and boys' first names from Welsh history and romance, as well as surnames. This book is ideal to help you find a baby name, or check the brief history of a family name or surname. The short history of the name refers to the romance and history of Wales.

A book of names from the annals of history, this comprehensive reference includes thousands of names from the Dark Ages in England to contemporary America.