Wales was where the Celts lived, which is why Welsh surnames are influenced by Celtic culture, among others.
Wales is a hilly country in the western part of central southern UK. The Welsh language is mostly spoken in North and West Wales, while English is more common in South Wales. You may want to consider using a Welsh surname for your baby, as they can be used by people who are not from Wales. This language is known for its beauty.
In Wales, many last names come from the father’s side and follow a patronymic tradition. Long ago, people in Wales used words like ‘ferch’ for daughters and ‘ab’ or ‘ap’ for sons in their surnames. Over time, this system changed to using fixed surnames.
Most Welsh surnames come from English or Welsh origins, with some also coming from Celtic roots. We’ve put together a list of Welsh surnames and last names that you can consider for naming your child.
Top Welsh Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings
1. Awbrey
The Norman surname came to Wales after the Norman Conquest of the region. The person who first had this name likely lived in a place with elder trees, and it can also mean ‘son of Aubrey’ as a Baptismal name.
2. Bach
It was commonly used as a nickname for a man who was short or small, derived from the Welsh word ‘bach’ which means ‘little.’
3. Baughan
This surname comes from Welsh words that mean small or little. It is also a common family name in Oxfordshire, England.
4. Beavin
This last name comes from the Welsh name Bevan, which comes from ‘ab-lefan’ or ‘ap-lefan.’ The prefix ‘ab’ or ‘ap’ means ‘son of,’ so the name means ‘son of lefan.’ Lefan is probably the Welsh form of the name John.
5. Beddoe
‘Bido’ is another version of the name ‘Beddoe,’ derived from the Welsh name Meredith meaning ‘sea lord’ or ‘protector of the sea.’
6. Bennion
The surname ‘Bennion’ has been changed to the anglicized form, which means ‘son of Einion.’ Einion is a Welsh word that translates to ‘anvil.’
7. Bethel
It’s a last name that comes from Wales and is a variation of the Welsh name ‘ab Ithel’ which means ‘son of Ithel’ and refers to the generous Lord.
8. Blayney
The origin of this surname comes from Welsh words that mean ‘uplands’ or ‘river source’. It is also linked to a place in Ireland called Castleblayney.
9. Breckon
The surname Brecon is used to refer to someone from the county of Brecon, also known as Brecknockshire, in southern Wales. It is also believed to be the name of a Welsh prince who lived in the same area in the 6th century.
10. Caddell
This surname comes from the Old Welsh name ‘Cadell,’ which in turn, comes from the Welsh word ‘cad’ meaning ‘battle.’ It was often linked to the 7th-century saint Cadell ab Urien.
11. Cadogan
The name ‘Cadwgan’ comes from Old Welsh and is made up of two parts. ‘Cad’ means ‘battle’ and ‘gwgan’ means ‘glory.’ So, when put together, the surname means ‘glory in battle’ or ‘honor in battle.’
12. Cardiff
The surname Cardiff is used for someone from the Welsh city of Cardiff. It is made up of the Welsh words ‘caer’ which means fort, and ‘taf’ which means stream of water.
13. Carew
It is a surname that refers to people from different places in Wales, including a castle named Carew. This last name comes from the Welsh words ‘caer’ which means ‘fort’ and ‘rhiw’ which means ‘hill’ or ‘slope.’
14. Cecil
The surname ‘Cecil’ comes from the earlier name ‘Seisyllt’ in Old Welsh, which is connected to the Latin name ‘Sextilius.’ This Latin name ‘Sextilius’ is derived from the Latin word ‘sextus,’ which means ‘sixth.’ Also the last name ‘Cecil’ is a variation of the Latin name ‘Caecilius,’ which comes from the Latin word ‘Caecus,’ meaning ‘blind.’
15. Collins
This last name comes from the Welsh word ‘Collen,’ which means hazel or a group of hazel trees. Hazel is a kind of shrub that produces hazelnuts. It is believed that this last name has roots in both English and Irish ancestry.
16. Coslett
The alternate surname, Corslett or Cosslett, is believed to have come from Germany to Wales. The specific roots of the name are unclear. The last name is frequently found in northern Wales and the Liverpool area in England.
17. Craddock
This surname is derived from the Welsh name Caradoc, which comes from the ancient Celtic name ‘Caratacos.’ The Celtic name comes from the Celtic word ‘car,’ which means ‘love.’
18. Davies
This last name is the Welsh version of the surname ‘Davis’ means ‘son of David,’ and the name ‘David’ is of Hebrew origin and means ‘beloved.’
19. Dee
The surname ‘Dee’ comes from the Welsh word ‘Du’ which means black or dark. It probably began as a nickname for someone with dark skin. Another possibility is that it is linked to the River Dee in Wales, suggesting that it was used for people who lived near the river.
20. Dew
It is believed that this surname is one of the new ones that came to England after the Norman Conquest. In Welsh, this surname or last name signifies ‘treasured one’.
21. Edris
This surname is a version of the Welsh name Idris which combines two Welsh words, ‘uud’ meaning ‘lord’ and ‘ris’ meaning ‘impulsive’ or ‘ardent.’
22. Edwards
This surname is derived from the father’s name, Edward, which means ‘son of Edward.’ Edward comes from Old English words ‘ead’ meaning ‘wealth’ or ‘fortune,’ and ‘weard’ meaning ‘guard.’ The name Edward, therefore, means ‘rich guard.’
23. Elijah
The Welsh surname ‘Elijah’ translates to ‘my god is Yahweh’ or ‘my god is lord’ in Hebrew. In history, several saints have been named Elijah.
24. Ellis
Elis is a last name that comes from the Welsh name Elisedd, which means ‘kind’ or ‘benevolent’ in Welsh. It has been used by some kings of Wales.
25. Evans
This Welsh surname is a patronymic name meaning ‘son of Evan.’ Evan is the anglicized version of ‘lefan,’ which is the Welsh form of John.
26. Eynon
This surname is based on the Welsh name ‘Enion’, which is derived from the Welsh word ‘Einion’ that means ‘anvil’.
27. Flint
The Welsh surname Flint is given to someone who is from a place called Flint in the Flintshire county of Wales. This place is well-known for its castle, known as Flint Castle.
28. Flower
The surname ‘Flower’ comes from the Welsh name ‘Llywarch’ but its origin is unknown. It could also possibly be derived from English, referring to a blooming flower, or from the Old French word ‘flur’ meaning ‘flower.’
29. Floyd
This Welsh surname is a version of the last name Lloyd which comes from the Welsh word ‘llwyd’ meaning ‘gray.’ This surname can also mean ‘brown.’ The name might have originally referred to a young man.
30. Gaynor
Gaynor is a surname that developed from the Welsh name, Gaenor, which ultimately came from the name Gwenhwyfar. This Welsh name is a combination of the elements ‘gwen’ for ‘fair,’ ‘wyf’ for ‘smooth,’ and ‘fawr’ for ‘large.’ Some other versions of the name Gaynor include Guinevere and Jennifer, both of which are commonly used feminine names.
31. Gethin
This surname comes from the Welsh word ‘Cethin’ which means ‘ugly’ or ‘hideous.’ It probably started as a nickname.
32. Glace
This surname comes from the Welsh word ‘Glas,’ which can mean either ‘green’ or ‘silver-gray.’ It is possible that the name was originally used as a nickname.
33. Goff
This Welsh surname is a version of the name ‘Gough’ which originated from the Welsh word ‘coch’ that means red. This last name probably started as a nickname for someone with red hair or a reddish skin tone.
34. Gower
The surname Gower is given to someone from a specific area in South-West Wales.
35. Griffiths
This Welsh surname means ‘son of Gruffudd,’ which is derived from the Old Welsh name ‘Griphiud’ meaning ‘chief’ or ‘lord.’
36. Guild
This surname is originated from Welsh name ‘Gwyllt’ which means ‘wild’.
37. Gwalchmai
This surname comes from two Welsh words, ‘gwalch’ which means ‘hawk’ and ‘mai’ which means ‘field.’ It is also the name of a village in Anglesey, which is an island off the north-western coast of Wales.
38. Hanmer
This last name probably comes from a place called Hanmer in Wales, specifically in Wrexham County. In Old English, the name Hanmer means ‘lake’ or ‘pond’.
39. Havard
This surname origin is not definite, but it is believed to be a toponymic name. It might be related to someone from a place in England called Hereford in Herefordshire county. The name Hereford comes from the Old English words ‘here’ meaning ‘army’ and ‘ford’ meaning ‘ford’ (a shallow part of a river or stream).
40. Hier
This surname comes from a descriptive nickname based on the Welsh word ‘hir,’ which means ‘long’ or ‘tall.’
41. Hopkins
This Welsh surname meaning ‘son of Hopkin.’ Hopkin is derived from the name ‘Robert,’ which originated from the Old Germanic name ‘Hrodebert,’ that means ‘bright fame.’
42. Howell
The anglicized version of the Old Welsh surname ‘Hywel’ means ’eminent’ and was commonly used in the Middle Ages. It was also the name of a ruler in Wales.
43. Hughes
The Welsh version of the last name ‘Howells’ is ‘Hughes,’ which means ‘son of Howell.’ It might also come from the name ‘Hugh,’ which comes from an Old Germanic word meaning ‘heart’ or ‘spirit.’
44. Idle
This surname originated from the Welsh personal name ‘Ithael,’ which comes from the Old Welsh name ‘ludhail’ that translates to ‘bountiful Lord.’
45. Ithell
This surname is a version of the name ‘Ithael,’ which comes from the Old Welsh name ‘ludhail’ that means ‘generous Lord.’
46. James
The surname ‘James’ comes from the Hebrew name ‘Jacob,’ which means ‘supplanter.’ It is likely that the name was brought to Great Britain during the Norman Conquest.
47. Jenkins
This Welsh surname means ‘son of Jenkin,’ which comes from the name ‘John’ with the addition of ‘kin,’ indicating it probably refers to John’s family.
48. John
This surname is commonly found in the Bible and comes from the Hebrew name ‘Yochanan,’ which means ‘Jehovah has been gracious’ or ‘god is gracious.’
49. Jones
This Welsh surname is a different form of ‘Jon,’ which comes from ‘John.’
50. Keelan
It is a surname that comes from the places called Cilan in Wales.
51. Kemble
The surname is originated from the name ‘Cynbel’ which comes from Old Welsh and is made up of two parts: ‘cyn’ which means ‘chief’ and ‘bel’ which means ‘war.’ So, the last name means ‘war chief.’
52. Kendrick
This surname is originated from the name ‘Cynwrig’ that comes from Old Welsh and combines the words ‘cyn’ meaning ‘chief’ and ‘gwr’ meaning ‘man’. This surname is commonly found in Wales and in areas near England.
53. Kneath
This surname probably comes from a place name, possibly from the name Neath, which is used for various places in Wales, including a river.
54. Kerry
The origin of this surname is unclear, but it is believed to come from Old Welsh and refers to being close to a castle.
55. Lewis
The surname Lewis comes from the Welsh name ‘Llywelyn’, which likely comes from the Welsh word ‘llyw’ that means ‘leader’. Another version of the name Lewis is Lewison.
56. Lloyd
This surname is derived from the nmae Llwellyn which comes from the Welsh word ‘llwyd’, which means ‘gray’ or ‘brown.’
57. Maddocks
The surname ‘Maddocks’ originates from a Welsh personal name and comes from the word ‘mad’ which means ‘good’ or ‘fortunate’ in Welsh. Other variations of this last name include Maddox, Mattock, Maddick, Maddog, Mattack, and Madog.
58. Meredith
This surname comes from the Old Welsh names Meredydd or Maredudd, which mean ‘great lord’ or ‘sea lord.’ Another possible origin of this last name is the Old Welsh name Morgetiud, where the first part means ‘pomp’ or ‘splendor’ and the second part means ‘lord.’
59. Merrick
This surname is originated from the name ‘Meurig’ which comes from a Welsh name that is the Welsh version of the name ‘Maurice.’ The last name ‘Maurice’ originated from the Late Roman name ‘Maurus,’ which means ‘dark-skinned.’
60. Moore
This surname comes from the Welsh word ‘mawr’ which means ‘big’ or ‘large.’ It was likely first used as a nickname for a large man.
61. Morgan
The name Morcant, an old Welsh personal name, is the origin of the surname ‘Morgan’ which means ‘sea circle’. It is commonly used as a last name in Wales and other areas in Great Britain.
62. Morris
The surname ‘Morris’ is an English version of the Welsh name ‘Maurice,’ which originated from the Late Roman name ‘Maurus’ that means ‘dark-skinned.’
63. Moss
The surname ‘Moss’ may come from Old English, meaning a boggy area, or from Irish, referencing an ancient Gaelic worshipper.
64. Mostyn
Mostyn is a surname that comes from a place in Wales. The name of the place means ‘moss town’ in Old English.
65. Myrick
It is a version of the Welsh surname ‘Myrick’ that originally comes from ‘Maurice.’ ‘Maurice’ is derived from the Late Roman name ‘Maurus’ which means ‘dark-skinned.’
66. Nanney
The last name is based on the name of a place in Wales called Nannau. The origin of this surname comes from the Celtic word ‘nant’ which means ‘brook.’
67. Nest
It is the Welsh version of the name Agnes. Agnes is derived from the Greek name Hagne, which means pure or holy.
68. Nevitt
The surname ‘Nevitt’ comes from the Old English word ‘cniht’ which originally meant a ‘young man’ or a ‘knight.’ It could also be the anglicized version of the Old Welsh last name ‘Ednyfed.’ This Welsh name probably derives from ‘Edenevet’ or ‘Eidniuet,’ made up of two Welsh parts: ‘iud,’ meaning ‘lord,’ and ‘nemeto,’ meaning ‘sacred grove.’
69. Owen
This surname is derived from a Welsh name ‘Owain,’ which is believed to be the Welsh version of ‘Eugene,’ which comes from the Greek name ‘Eugenios,’ meaning ‘well-born’ or ‘noble.’
70. Parry
This is a surname that comes from the Welsh name ‘ap Harry’ which means ‘son of Harry.’ The name Harry originates from the name ‘Henry,’ which comes from the Germanic name ‘Heimirich’ meaning ‘home ruler’ or ‘ruler of the homeland.’
71. Pembroke
The last name Pembroke is of Welsh origin and refers to someone from the town of Pembroke in Wales. This surname has been used in Ireland since the 1600s.
72. Pennoyer
The original spelling of the name was ‘Penoyre’ and it comes from two Welsh words, ‘pen’ which means ‘head’ and ‘aur’ which means ‘golden.’ It probably originally described someone with golden hair. The name ‘Pennoyer’ could also refer to someone from an area called Golden Valley in Herefordshire, Wales.
73. Phillips
This surname means ‘son of Philip.’ The last name Philip is derived from the Greek name ‘Philippos,’ which combines ‘philein,’ meaning ‘love,’ and ‘hippos,’ meaning ‘horse’.
74. Pierce
The surname ‘Piers’ is derived from the name ‘Peter,’ which has its roots in the Greek word ‘Petros’ that translates to ‘stone.’
75. Poyner
This last name comes from the Welsh tradition of using ‘ab Ynyr’ or ‘son of Ynyr’ as a surname. This surname comes from the Latin name ‘Honorius,’ which means ‘honored.’
76. Price
This last name comes from a Welsh first name ‘ap Rhys,’ which means ‘son of Rhys.’ The first name ‘Rhys’ means ‘enthusiasm.’
77. Priddy
It is a surname that comes from the name ‘ap Redith,’ which translates to ‘son of Redith’ in English. Redith is derived from the Old Welsh name ‘Meredith,’ which means ‘protector of the sea.’ Another possible origin is ‘ap Rhiddid,’ meaning ‘son of Rhiddid,’ although the origin of Rhiddid is unknown. ‘Priddy’ may also come from the Welsh word ‘prydudd,’ which means ‘bard.’
78. Pride
This surname likely comes from the Welsh word ‘prid’ which means ‘precious’ or ‘dear.’ It is a popular name that probably refers to someone who is highly valued and cherished.
79. Prothero
The name ‘ap Rhydderch’ was changed to the anglicized version, which means ‘son of Rhydderch’ in Welsh. The name Rhydderch means ‘reddish-brown,’ possibly referring to someone with reddish-brown hair or skin tone.
80. Rees
This surname comes from an ancient Welsh name ‘Rhys’ which means ‘enthusiasm.’ It could also come from the old Welsh word ‘Ris’ which means ‘ardor.’ Other versions of the name are Rice, Reese, and Reece.
81. Roberts
The surname Robert originated from Old German and is derived from the Germanic words ‘hrod,’ which means ‘fame,’ and ‘beraht,’ which means ‘bright.’
82. Roderick
This surname comes from the Welsh name ‘Rhydderch’ which means ‘reddish-brown’ and has been adapted into an English version.
83. Rosser
The Welsh surname Rosser is based on the English name Roger. Roger originates from Old German and is made up of two Germanic words, ‘hrod’ which means ‘fame’ and ‘gar’ which means ‘spear.’
84. Sayce
This last name originated from the Old Welsh term ‘sais’ which translates to ‘Saxon.’ It was used to describe the English individuals who made their homes in Wales and its surrounding areas.
85. Scurlock
The surname comes from a Welsh name that means ‘fort’ or ‘camp.’ It is linked to fortified manors in various areas of Wales.
86. Sealy
This last name comes from Welsh first names like ‘Selyf’ or ‘Selau,’ which are the Welsh versions of the name ‘Solomon.’ ‘Solomon’ is a Biblical name that means ‘peaceful.’
87. Tew
Initially this surname used as a nickname for a person who was overweight, it later became a last name.
88. Thomas
This surname is from the Bible and was common during the medieval period in Europe. It comes from an Aramaic word that means ‘twin.’
89. Trahern
The surname ‘Trahern’ comes from a Welsh personal name made up of two words – ‘tra’ which means ‘most’ and ‘haearn’ which means ‘iron.’ This surname would have originally been used to describe someone who was very strong, like iron.
90. Trevor
The surname comes from two Welsh words, ‘tref’ which means ‘town’ and ‘mawr’ which means ‘large.’ So, the name means ‘large town’ and might have been used for anyone from a big town.
91. Tudor
The surname ‘Tudor’ originates from the Welsh name ‘Tudur,’ which is derived from the Celtic word ‘Toutorix’ and means ‘ruler of the people.’
92. Uren
This surname is originated from the name ‘Orbogenos’ which comes from ancient Brythonic language and was called ‘Urgen’ or ‘Urbgen’ in Old Welsh. The meaning of the first part of the name is uncertain, but the word ‘gen’ means ‘born’ or ‘birth.’
93. Vaughan
This surname comes from the Welsh word ‘bychan’ which means ‘small’ or ‘little.’ It may have been used to distinguish between two people with the same name, with one being younger. It could have also been a nickname given based on someone’s size.
94. Voyle
This surname is derived from the word ‘moel’ which comes from Welsh and means ‘bald.’ It could have started as a way to describe either a bald person or a dry area of land.
95. Wathen
This surname comes from the Welsh name ‘Gwaiddan,’ which is likely related to someone from a specific place in Wales called Robeston Wathen.
96. Williams
It is a last name that indicates being the son of someone named William. The name William originated from the Old German name ‘Willahelm’ which is made up of the Old Germanic words ‘wil’ meaning ‘desire’ and ‘helm’ meaning ‘helmet’ or ‘protection.’
97. Wogan
This surname is originated from the name ‘Gwgan’ or ‘Gwgon’ which originates from an Old Welsh personal name. This last name is derived from the Welsh word ‘gwg,’ which means to ‘frown.’
98. Wynn
It is a different version of the Welsh surname ‘Wyn’ which originates from the Welsh word ‘gwyn’ that means ‘white,’ ‘fair,’ or ‘blessed.’ Other variations of the last name Wynn include Wyne and Gwynne.
99. Yale
This surname comes from the Welsh word ‘ial’ meaning ‘fertile upland’. Originally, it may have been used to describe people from a place with fertile highlands.
100. Yarwood
This surname is derived from the name ‘Iorwerth’ which is an English version of a Welsh name, meaning ‘lord’ and ‘handsome.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Wales is a lovely country with Welsh people who have surnames that reveal their ancestry and origins, similar to other countries. If you’re interested in learning more about Wales and its people, check out this list of common and special Welsh surnames or last names. Understanding a country’s naming system and various surnames can help expand your knowledge. This compilation of surnames provides insight into the people of Wales and their history.
