Find out how popular the first name Llewyn has been for the last 10 years (from 2014 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Llewyn by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Llewyn is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Llewyn being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 45 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Llewyn.

The history of the first name Llewyn

The name Llewyn is believed to have its origins in the Welsh language and culture, tracing back to the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Welsh words "llyw," meaning leader or guide, and "yn," a diminutive suffix. This suggests that the name may have initially referred to a young leader or guide.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Llewyn can be found in the ancient Welsh manuscript known as the "Black Book of Carmarthen," which dates back to the 13th century. In this text, there is a reference to a character named "Llewyn Llawgyfes," which translates to "Llewyn of the Open Hand."

During the Middle Ages, the name Llewyn was relatively uncommon but not unheard of within Welsh communities. One notable figure from this period was Llewyn ap Rhys, a Welsh nobleman who lived in the 14th century and was known for his involvement in various conflicts and power struggles in Wales.

In the 16th century, a prominent Welsh bard and poet named Llewyn Goch (meaning "Llewyn the Red") gained recognition for his works, which celebrated Welsh culture and language. His poetry is still studied and appreciated today as an important part of Welsh literary heritage.

Moving into the modern era, one of the most famous individuals to bear the name Llewyn was the American folk singer and musician Llewyn Davis, whose life and struggles were depicted in the 2013 Coen Brothers film "Inside Llewyn Davis." Although a fictional character, the film's portrayal of the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene brought renewed attention to this unique name.

Other notable individuals with the first name Llewyn include Llewyn Blucker, a Welsh rugby player who represented Wales in the 1920s, and Llewyn Morfyn, a Welsh artist and illustrator known for his depictions of Welsh landscapes and folklore in the early 20th century.

While not a common name in modern times, the name Llewyn holds a rich history and cultural significance within the Welsh tradition, serving as a reminder of the enduring influence of ancient languages and traditions on contemporary naming practices.

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

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

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