If you’re looking for some cool and popular Welsh surnames, look no more! We bring to you a list of Welsh last names with meanings and origins right here!
Introduction
“Welsh” refers to the people, language, and culture of Wales, a country that is part of the United Kingdom.
The Welsh people are the inhabitants of Wales, and they have a distinct culture, history, and identity.
Wales has a rich history, including its Celtic roots, medieval castles, traditional music, and literary heritage.
Welsh Surnames Naming Traditions
Welsh surnames often reflect patronymic origins, denoting “ap” (son of) or “ferch” (daughter of) a forebear’s name. Surnames can also signify personal traits, occupations, or locations. Common prefixes include “ab,” “ap,” “ferch,” “cyn,” and “coch.”
These names connect individuals to familial history and Welsh heritage, maintaining a link to ancestry through generations.
Popular Welsh Surnames
Jones
Meaning: “Son of John”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the given name John.
Davies / Davis
Meaning: “Son of David”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the given name David.
Williams
Meaning: “Son of William”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the given name William.
Evans
Meaning: “Son of Evan” (Evan is a form of John)
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the Welsh form of John.
Thomas
Meaning: “Twin”
Origin: Derived from the given name Thomas.
Hughes
Meaning: “Son of Hugh”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the given name Hugh.
Lewis
Meaning: “Famous warrior”
Origin: Derived from the given name Llywelyn.
Morgan
Meaning: “Sea-born” or “Great brightness”
Origin: Derived from the Welsh words “mor” (sea) and “cant” (circle).
Griffiths / Griffith
Meaning: “Strong lord”
Origin: Derived from the given name Gruffudd.
Rees / Reese
Meaning: “Ardent” or “Fiery”
Origin: Derived from the given name Rhys.
Price
Meaning: “Son of Rhys”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the given name Rhys.
Edwards
Meaning: “Son of Edward”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the given name Edward.
Jenkins
Meaning: “Little John”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the given name John.
Lloyd
Meaning: “Grey” or “Hallowed”
Origin: Derived from the Welsh word “llwyd.”
Owen
Meaning: “Young warrior”
Origin: Derived from the Welsh name Owain.
Morris
Meaning: “Son of Maurice”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the given name Maurice.
Vaughan
Meaning: “Little”
Origin: Derived from the Welsh word “bychan.”
Parry
Meaning: “Son of Harry”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the name Harry, a variation of Henry.
Pritchard
Meaning: “Son of Richard”
Origin: Patronymic, derived from the name Richard.
Griffith
Meaning: “Fierce chief”
Origin: Derived from the given name Gruffudd.
Rare Welsh Surnames
- Cerrig: Meaning “rocks” or “stones,” this surname likely originated from a location near rocky terrain.
- Tegfan: Derived from “teg” (fair, beautiful) and “maban” (son), this name may have referred to a handsome or fair son.
- Aberthol: Originating from “aber” (mouth of a river) and “tol” (hole), this surname might have been given to someone living near a river mouth or inlet.
- Llwyd: Meaning “gray” or “ashen,” this surname could have referred to someone with gray hair or a person living in an area with gray soil.
- Clychau: Derived from “clych” (bell), this name may have been given to a bell ringer or someone associated with bells.
- Hafod: Originating from “ha” (summer) and “bod” (dwelling), this name may have referred to someone living in a summer pasture.
- Gwaun: Derived from “gwaun” (moor), this surname might have been given to someone living on or near a moorland.
- Cadwyn: Derived from “cadw” (to keep), this name may have referred to someone tasked with keeping or guarding something valuable.
- Cynon: Originating from “cyn” (chief) and “gwyn” (white, fair), this name may have denoted a prominent or fair leader.
- Mabon: Derived from “mab” (son), this surname may have indicated a son or descendant of a notable individual.
- Rhonwen: Originating from “rhon” (spear) and “gwen” (white, fair), this name could have referred to a person with a fair or white spear.
- Trefor: Originating from “tref” (village) and “mawr” (big), this name could have referred to someone from a large village.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common surnames in Wales?
- Jones – 170,633.
- Davies – 111,559.
- Williams – 110,404.
- Evans – 74,243.
- Thomas – 71,040. Source
How do Welsh surnames work?
The Welsh adopted patronymic names (names derived from their father’s given name) and added the names of other male ancestors.
Did Welsh have last names?
About 500 years ago, the Welsh began to use fixed surnames. Source
What are the top 10 surnames in Wales?
- Jones
- Williams
- Davies
- Thomas
- Evans
- Roberts
- Hughes
- Lewis
- Morgan
- Griffiths. Source
Why do Welsh surnames end in s?
A Welsh surname was encouraged to be fixed through the Laws in Wales Acts, so John son of Hugh became John Hughes after adding an ‘s’ to his father’s name.
Why do the Welsh have so few surnames?
Following the Protestant Reformation, Welsh people had fewer baptismal names to choose from as patronymic surnames were replaced by fixed surnames.
Is Welsh Irish or Scottish?
With its own grammar and vocabulary, it is a Celtic language related to Irish and Scottish Gaelic.
Is White a Welsh surname?
There are examples of the surname White dating back to the Saxon period across England, Scotland, and Ireland. Source
Hopefully, you liked our list of popular Welsh surnames! Source
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