Find out how popular the first name Bladyn has been for the last 21 years (from 2001 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bladyn by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Bladyn is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bladyn.

The history of the first name Bladyn

The name Bladyn has its origins in the ancient Celtic language of Old Brythonic, spoken across what is now Wales, Cornwall, and parts of southern England during the Iron Age and Roman period. It is derived from the Proto-Celtic root *blatos, meaning "bald" or "bare," possibly referring to a physical characteristic or signifying purity or innocence.

The earliest known recorded use of the name Bladyn dates back to the 6th century CE, appearing in the Welsh genealogies and annals as the name of a minor prince or chieftain from the Kingdom of Ergyng in southeastern Wales. It is believed that this Bladyn lived during the turbulent period following the departure of Roman rule from Britain, as the native Celtic populations sought to establish their own independent kingdoms and principalities.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name was Bladyn ap Cynan, a Welsh prince and warrior who lived in the late 11th century. He was a member of the powerful House of Aberffraw, a dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Gwynedd in northern Wales. Bladyn ap Cynan was involved in numerous conflicts against the Norman invaders and is said to have fought alongside his kinsman, the renowned Welsh prince Gruffudd ap Cynan, in battles against the forces of Robert of Rhuddlan and Hugh d'Avranches, Earl of Chester.

Another noteworthy bearer of the name was Bladyn ap Maenyrch, a 13th-century Welsh poet and bard who composed works in praise of his patrons, the princes of Powys. His poems, which are preserved in various medieval Welsh manuscript collections, provide valuable insights into the culture and society of medieval Wales.

In the 15th century, a man named Bladyn ap Rhys was a prominent figure in the Welsh gentry, serving as a member of Parliament for Carmarthenshire in the early years of the Tudor dynasty. Records from this period indicate that he was a wealthy landowner and influential member of the local community.

The name Bladyn also appears in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh prose tales and legends, as the name of a minor character who plays a role in the tale of Culhwch and Olwen. This suggests that the name had a long-standing presence in Welsh folklore and storytelling traditions.

Over the centuries, the name Bladyn has remained relatively uncommon, though it has continued to be used sporadically by Welsh families, particularly in areas with strong Celtic cultural heritage and traditions. Its enduring presence serves as a reminder of the rich linguistic and historical legacy of the ancient Britons and their descendants.

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 Bladyn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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