Find out how popular the first name Arwyn has been for the last 47 years (from 1978 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arwyn by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Arwyn is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Arwyn being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 42 female babies and 11 male babies born with the name Arwyn.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 11 baby boys were named Arwyn in 2024, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Arwyn

The name Arwyn originates from the Welsh language and culture, with its roots dating back to ancient Celtic times. It is derived from the Welsh words "ar" meaning "by" or "near," and "gwyn" meaning "white" or "fair." The name is believed to have been initially used to describe someone who lived near a white or light-colored place, such as a white cliff or a glen with light-colored stones.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Arwyn can be found in medieval Welsh poetry and literature, where it was often used as a poetic name or epithet for fair-skinned maidens or noble ladies. In the 13th century Welsh manuscript "Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch" (The White Book of Rhydderch), there is a reference to an Arwyn ferch Gwydion, or Arwyn, daughter of Gwydion, who was a figure from Welsh mythology.

Throughout history, the name Arwyn has been associated with various notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Arwyn ap Rhys (c. 1250-1310), a Welsh nobleman and military leader who fought in the Wars of Welsh Independence against the English. Another notable Arwyn was Arwyn Gruffydd (c. 1520-1580), a Welsh poet and bard who composed numerous works in the traditional Welsh poetic forms.

In the 16th century, there was a record of an Arwyn Wynn (c. 1540-1610), a landowner and prominent figure in the county of Caernarvonshire, Wales. Later, in the 18th century, Arwyn Owen (1727-1795) was a Welsh Anglican clergyman and scholar who published works on Welsh history and literature.

One of the most famous bearers of the name Arwyn was Arwyn Gryffydd (1892-1972), a Welsh author, poet, and playwright. She was a prominent figure in the Welsh literary scene and was known for her novels and plays that explored Welsh culture and identity.

While the name Arwyn has its roots in ancient Welsh culture, it has also found its way into modern literature and popular culture. J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of "The Lord of the Rings," used the name Arwen for one of the central characters in his Middle-earth legendarium, an Elven princess who was the daughter of Elrond and Celebrían. This use of the name in Tolkien's influential works has contributed to its recognition and popularity in recent times.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Arwyn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Arwyn, please contact us.

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