Helyn first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Helyn has been for the last 10 years (from 2006 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Helyn

The feminine name of uncertain origin, possibly Anglicized from Welsh "Helen".

Popularity of Helyn by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Helyn is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Helyn.

Year Male Count Female Count
2015 0 5
2007 0 6
2006 0 7

The history of the first name Helyn

The name Helyn is believed to have originated from the Welsh language, with roots tracing back to ancient Celtic cultures. It is derived from the Welsh word "haelen," which means "salt" or "brine." In Welsh mythology, salt was considered a sacred substance, symbolic of purity and preservation.

Historically, the name Helyn gained prominence in Wales and surrounding regions during the Middle Ages. It was a popular name among the Welsh nobility and was often bestowed upon individuals with a strong connection to the land and its natural resources.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Helyn can be found in the Welsh Triads, a collection of traditional narratives dating back to the 13th century. Here, Helyn ap Gwalchmai is mentioned as a legendary figure, renowned for his wisdom and valor.

In the 14th century, a prominent Welsh noblewoman named Helyn Ddu was renowned for her patronage of the arts and her support of Welsh culture. She played a significant role in preserving and promoting the Welsh language during a time of English dominance.

Another notable figure bearing the name Helyn was Helyn Fychan, a 15th-century Welsh bard and poet. His works celebrated the beauty of the Welsh landscape and the resilience of the Welsh people, contributing to the preservation of Welsh literary traditions.

In the 16th century, Helyn Goch, a Welsh warrior and military commander, gained fame for her leadership in battles against English forces. Her bravery and tactical skills were widely celebrated, and she became a symbol of Welsh resistance against foreign rule.

During the 17th century, Helyn Gwynne, a renowned Welsh botanist and herbalist, made significant contributions to the study of medicinal plants. Her extensive knowledge of Welsh flora earned her recognition throughout the region, and her teachings were passed down through generations.

While the name Helyn has its roots in Welsh culture, it has also been adopted and adapted in other regions and languages over time, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and influence.

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

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

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"Helyn first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 24, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/helyn-meaning-and-history/.

"Helyn first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/helyn-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 24 June, 2025

Helyn first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/helyn-meaning-and-history/.

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