Welsh Surnames and Meanings: A Guide to Understanding Welsh Ancestry

Curious about the origins and meanings of Welsh surnames? Wales has a rich history and language, reflected in its distinctive last names. From ancient lineages to modern-day families, Welsh surnames offer fascinating insights into the country's heritage. Let's delve into the world of Welsh surnames, exploring their meanings and connections to the Welsh language and culture.
1. **Davies:** Derived from the Welsh word "Dafydd," meaning "beloved" or "son of David."
2. **Jones:** A common Welsh surname originating from the given name "John," signifying "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** This surname is a variation of the given name "William," which derives from the German "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector" or "determined helmet."
4. **Evans:** A common surname originating from the Welsh word "Evan," meaning "God is gracious."
5. **Thomas:** Derived from the Aramaic word "Thoma," meaning "twin" or "twin brother."
6. **Roberts:** A common surname originating from the given name "Robert," which derives from the Germanic "Hrodberht," meaning "bright fame" or "glorious in battle."
7. **Lewis:** A Welsh surname originating from the given name "Lewis," which derives from the French "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
8. **Morgan:** A Welsh surname that derives from the Welsh word "Morgant," meaning "sea warrior" or "sea defender."
9. **Jenkins:** Derived from the Welsh word "Jenkin," meaning "God is gracious" or "the Lord is gracious."
10. **Price:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Rhys" or "son of the lord."
11. **Hughes:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Hugh," a name of Germanic origin meaning "mind, intellect" or "heart, spirit."
12. **Edwards:** A common Welsh surname originating from the given name "Edward," which derives from the Old English "Eadweard," meaning "wealthy guardian" or "prosperous protector."
13. **Davies:** A surname meaning "son of David," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved" or "loved by God."
14. **Richards:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Richard," a name of Germanic origin meaning "powerful ruler" or "brave warrior."
15. **Parry:** A common Welsh surname, derived from the Welsh word "ap" meaning "son of" or "child of," followed by a personal name, in this case, "Harry."
16. **Powell:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Howell," which derives from the Welsh word "Hywel," meaning "noble" or "highborn."
17. **Lloyd:** A common Welsh surname, derived from the Welsh word "llwyd," meaning "gray" or "blond."
18. **Griffiths:** A Welsh surname derived from the given name "Griffith," which originates from the Welsh word "Gruffydd," meaning "strong lord" or "fierce ruler."
19. **Jones:** A surname that can be a variation of the given name "John" or a patronymic, meaning "son of John."
20. **Rees:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Rhys," a name of Welsh origin meaning "ardor" or "fiery."
21. **Evans:** A surname meaning "son of Evan," which derives from the Hebrew word "Yohanan," meaning "God is gracious."
22. **Owen:** A Welsh surname meaning "noble" or "well-born," derived from the Welsh word "Owain."
23. **Williams:** A surname meaning "son of William," a name of Germanic origin meaning "resolute protector" or "determined helmet."
24. **Thomas:** A surname meaning "son of Thomas," a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin" or "twin brother."
25. **James:** A Welsh surname meaning "supplanter" or "he who supplants," derived from the Hebrew word "Ya'akov."
26. **Harris:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Harry," a name of Germanic origin meaning "home ruler" or "army ruler."
27. **Morgan:** A surname meaning "sea warrior" or "sea defender," derived from the Welsh word "Morgant."
28. **Davies:** A surname meaning "son of David," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved" or "loved by God."
29. **Roberts:** A surname meaning "son of Robert," a name of Germanic origin meaning "bright fame" or "glorious in battle."
30. **Lewis:** A surname meaning "son of Lewis," which derives from the French "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
31. **Jenkins:** A surname meaning "son of Jenkin," a name of Welsh origin meaning "God is gracious."
32. **Price:** A surname meaning "son of Rhys" or "son of the lord."
33. **Hughes:** A surname meaning "son of Hugh," a name of Germanic origin meaning "mind, intellect" or "heart, spirit."
34. **Edwards:** A surname meaning "son of Edward," a name of Old English origin meaning "wealthy guardian" or "prosperous protector."
35. **Richards:** A surname meaning "son of Richard," a name of Germanic origin meaning "powerful ruler" or "brave warrior."
36. **Parry:** A surname meaning "son of Harry," a name of Germanic origin meaning "home ruler" or "army ruler."
37. **Powell:** A surname meaning "son of Howell," a name of Welsh origin meaning "noble" or "highborn."
38. **Lloyd:** A surname meaning "gray" or "blond," derived from the Welsh word "llwyd."
39. **Griffiths:** A surname meaning "son of Griffith," a name of Welsh origin meaning "strong lord" or "fierce ruler."
40. **Rees:** A surname meaning "son of Rhys," a name of Welsh origin meaning "ardor" or "fiery."